Application of the cell-free matrix of the donor artery for plasty of posterior urethral strictures

Introduction. Urethral stricture is a complex and urgent problem in operative urology. The main problem in the treatment of extended structures of the posterior urethra is the inability to form an adequate urethral site for augmentation urethroplasty with the common buccal graft, which has a priority in the treatment of penile strictures. The use of tissue acellular matrices may be promising in the development of reconstructive urology, which in the future will solve a number of problems associated with augmentation urethroplasty. The purpose of this article is to study the possibility of using a cell-free matrix of a donor artery as a free flat flap for stricture replacement urethroplasty on a model of laboratory animals (rabbits). Materials and methods. Donor blood vessels were Used, which were subjected to detergent-enzymatic perfusion decellularization. To assess the quality of the cell-free matrix, a histological study and an immunohistochemical study were performed. The cell-free flap of the donor artery was fixed to the protein envelope from the side of the simulated defect and posterior on-lay urethroplasty was performed. Results and discussion. The resulting matrix was characterized by the absence of detectable cell nuclei, preserved type I collagen, and a DNA content of no more than 50 ng / mg of tissue. In the postoperative period, normal motor activity of animals, normal urination, weight loss was not observed. The levels of C-reactiveprotein, creatinine, and urea in peripheral blood 5 months after surgery were within the normal range: 0.285±0.04839 mg/1, 93.5±8.057 mm /1, and 8.35±1.355 mm/l, respectively. If cystourethrography with the help of computer tomography data for stricture of the urethra is not revealed. During magnetic resonance imaging in the axial and sagittal projections, the patency of the urethra was indirectly confirmed. Conclusion. In a laboratory animal model, it was shown that the resulting cell-free flap has in vivo biocompatibility and can be used for replacement urethroplasty of posterior urethral strictures.