Experimental model for ureteral autotransplantation in the rat.

The development of an experimental model for ureteral autotransplantation without kidney transplantation, in an attempt to confirm viability of the ureter after denervation and total ischemia, is reported. Stages of the study and the experimental microsurgical technique used are discussed. Experiments were carried out in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats distributed in two experimental stages. The absence of histologic lesions was demonstrated by exeresis of the autotransplantated ureter and latter pathological study. Size, colour, renal consistency, ureteral peristalsis and the macroscopic appearance of the surgical piece were recorded. Histological examination confirmed macro- and microscopic normality of the autotransplanted ureteral segment.