Bladder wall grafting in rats using salt‐modified and collagen‐coated polycaprolactone scaffolds: Preliminary report

AIM: A rat model was used for the evaluation of collagen-coated and salt-modified polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for bladder grafting after hemicystectomy. METHODS: SD rats underwent partial cystectomy and cystoplasty with collagen-coated and salt-modified polycaprolactone scaffolds. The grafts of the regenerated bladder wall were harvested at different intervals and tissue regeneration was evaluated microscopically. Anatomic and functional characters were evaluated by cystography and urodynamics. RESULTS: At harvesting, after 1 and 2 months, we found good preservation of the bladder shape and volume in all 16 rats receiving PCL cystorrhaphy. No stone formation was observed. Good epithelialization and ingrowth of smooth muscle cells were seen after 2 months grafting. Collagen-coated PCL scaffolds showed considerable encrustation, which appeared to be absorbed and disappear with time. The cystographic and urodynamic examinations revealed intact contour and a well-accommodated bladder with reservoir volume and contractility. CONCLUSIONS: In the rat model, we have successfully demonstrated the applicability of collagen coated and salt-modified PCL in reconstruction of the partial cystectomized bladder.