Current Applications and Future Directions of Bioengineering Approaches for Bladder Augmentation and Reconstruction

End-stage neurogenic bladder usually results in the insufficiency of upper urinary tract, requiring bladder augmentation with intestinal tissue. To avoid complications of augmentation cystoplasty, tissue-engineering technique could offer a new approach to bladder reconstruction. This work reviews the current state of bioengineering progress and barriers in bladder augmentation or reconstruction and proposes an innovative method to address the obstacles of bladder augmentation. The ideal tissue-engineered bladder has the characteristics of high biocompatibility, compliance, and specialized urothelium to protect the upper urinary tract and prevent extravasation of urine. Despite that many reports have demonstrated that bioengineered bladder possessed a similar structure to native bladder, few large animal experiments, and clinical applications have been performed successfully. The lack of satisfactory outcomes over the past decades may have become an important factor hindering the development in this field. More studies should be warranted to promote the use of tissue-engineered bladders in clinical practice.

Augmentation Cystoplasty in Children: Institute of Kidney Diseases Peshawar Experience

Objective: The aim of this study is to share our single-center experience of Augmentation Cystoplasty (AC) in children regarding indications, bowel segment used, associated procedures, and its complications. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data of all pediatric patients who underwent AC at Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Peshawar between July 2017 and March 2020. Results: A total of 18 pediatric patients are included in the study who underwent Bladder augmentation (BA) either isolated in 1 (5.5%), or along with other associated procedures like Mitrofanoff 17 (94.4%), Antegrade Continent Enema (ACE) 6 (33.3%), Bladder Neck Reconstruction (BNR) 5 (27.7%) and Bilateral ureteric Re-implantation (B/L UR) in 3 (16.6%). Indication for Bladder augmentation were Neurogenic bladder (NGB) 13 (72.2%), Exstrophy Epispadias Complex (EEC) 3 (16.6%) and Posterior urethral value with small functional capacity bladder 2 (11.1%). Small gut used in 15 (83.3%) and large gut in 3 (16.6%) for BA. For Mitrofanff associated with bladder augmentation, Appendix was used in 14 (82.35%) and small gut (Monti) in 3 (17.6%) cases. For ACE associated with BA, in 4 (66.6%) Appendix used as right-sided ACE and in 2 (33.3%) small gut (Monti) as left-sided ACE. No intraoperative complications noted, while early post-op complications, 2 wound infection and 1 urinary leakage from wound, were noted in 3(16.6%) cases and late post-op complications (stomal stenosis) in 4(22.2%) patients.