OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of the rectus abdominis muscle flap (RAMF) technique for the closure and augmentation of small, inelastic bladder extrophies using a rabbit model with a large bladder defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits were studied in two groups; nine rabbits in group 1 underwent resection of 65% of the bladder and then bladder augmentation using a full-thickness RAMF, including peritoneum, and six rabbits in group 2 (control) underwent a similar bladder resection but the bladder remnant was closed primarily. Urodynamic investigations were carried out in both groups preoperatively and 4 weeks after surgery. Intravenous pyelography (IVP), voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), urodynamic and histopathological investigations were also carried out for up to 4 months after surgery. RESULTS: As assessed by IVP, the urinary system appeared normal, with no signs of upper urinary tract dilatation and VCUG showed a normal voiding pattern. After surgery, the bladder capacity and compliance decreased in both groups, but both variables partially recovered in group 1, although not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This animal model indicates that the RAMF technique is a suitable alternative for the management of large bladder defects and bladder exstrophies with small, inelastic, non-compliant bladders.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of the rectus abdominis muscle flap (RAMF) technique for the closure and augmentation of small, inelastic bladder extrophies using a rabbit model with a large bladder defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits were studied in two groups; nine rabbits in group 1 underwent resection of 65% of the bladder and then bladder augmentation using a full-thickness RAMF, including peritoneum, and six rabbits in group 2 (control) underwent a similar bladder resection but the bladder remnant was closed primarily. Urodynamic investigations were carried out in both groups preoperatively and 4 weeks after surgery. Intravenous pyelography (IVP), voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), urodynamic and histopathological investigations were also carried out for up to 4 months after surgery. RESULTS: As assessed by IVP, the urinary system appeared normal, with no signs of upper urinary tract dilatation and VCUG showed a normal voiding pattern. After surgery, the bladder capacity and compliance decreased in both groups, but both variables partially recovered in group 1, although not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This animal model indicates that the RAMF technique is a suitable alternative for the management of large bladder defects and bladder exstrophies with small, inelastic, non-compliant bladders.