Placental membrane grafts for urethral replacement in a rabbit model: a pilot study

Purpose Several graft materials are available for use in the treatment of urethral stricture disease. Placental membrane is being used in a variety of settings as a graft in wound healing and tissue repair. We aim to evaluate the effect of implanting decellularized human placental membrane into rabbit urethras. Methods Dorsal onlay graft urethroplasty using prepared human placental membrane was performed in 10 New Zealand White rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ). After 3 months, the rabbits underwent cystourethroscopy to evaluate urethral patency. The rabbits were then euthanized and the urethras examined for pathological findings. Results All urethroplasties were performed without complication. There were no observed episodes of urinary retention, infection, or renal failure. Urethral patency was achieved in all rabbits 3 months postoperatively. Urothelial replacement of the placental membrane graft was observed in all rabbits without malignant transformation. Conclusion Dorsal onlay urethroplasty using decellularized human placental membrane can safely be performed in a rabbit model. This pilot study demonstrated urothelial replacement of human placental membrane in the rabbit urethra without stricture formation. Placental membrane is a promising biomaterial for urethral reconstruction.