Vesica fellea--a new substitute for the bladder? An experimental study.

The urinary bladders of 8 dogs were removed and replaced with their own gallbladders using microvascular anastomoses. Post-operative assessment included measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), intravenous urography and histological examination of the autotransplanted gallbladders. The neobladders proved to be good reservoirs without urinary leakage. Renal function was well preserved in 6 dogs; post-operative BUN and Cr levels were raised in 2 dogs and the concentrating ability of the kidneys was reduced. The neobladders were perfect histologically.