THE USE OF ALLOPLASTIC BIOMATERIALS IN BLADDER SUBSTITUTION

The complexity of a total alloplastic prosthetic bladder is evident when one considers the fact that total alloplastic hearts have been applied clinically, although to a limited extent, for several years, whereas prosthetic bladders are still at the investigational stage in animals.1 The ideal alloplastic bladder should be easy to implant surgically; preserve renal function; provide adequate urinary storage; allow volitional, complete evacuation of urine; be biocompatible; be resistant to extraluminal infection; be tolerant of intraluminal infection; deter intraluminal infection; discharge urine per urethram, and be mechanically reliable.2 We review the experimental and clinical experience using alloplastic biomaterials for partial and total bladder replacement.