Urethral reconstruction with autologous vein graft: an experimental study

There is no universally accepted material for urethral reconstruction. This study presents the results of segmental urethral replacement with a free graft of jugular vein in rabbits. Histological examination showed ingrowth of normal transitional epithelium into the venous endothelium. Retrograde urethrograms revealed an excellent result up to 300 days. Fistulas and infection occurred in 4/44 rabbits; these settled spontaneously. No structures or papillary hypertrophy were noted. Segmental urethral reconstruction with autologous vein graft is a simple technique with few complications and appears suitable for use in clinical cases.