Studies in ureteral regeneration: replacement of a large segment of ureter with an in situ pedicle graft of proximal ureter.

The phenomenon of ureteral regeneration has been of interest to clinicians, anatomists, and physiologists for many years. The object of this investigation was to study the regeneration of a long pedicle graft of ureter. Regeneration of the pedicle graft over a stent took place in 4 to 5 weeks. At sacrifice 8 to 10 months postoperatively, 7 of 10 operations were completely successful with no evidence of hydronephrosis, obstruction, or pyelonephritis. Two animals exhibited slight dilation of the upper tracts, and one operation was a failure. It is evident from this study that a strip of ureter removed from the ureteral artery will regenerate over a stent in 4 to 5 weeks if the blood supply from the adjacent adventitia is left intact.