Urethral Reconstruction Using Cell-Based Tissue Engineering Approaches

Abstract

Urethral reconstruction for complex conditions remains a challenge because of the unsatisfactory long-term results and problems associated with the harvesting of adequate replacement tissues. Tissue engineered substitutes, either scaffolds alone or in combination with cells, can overcome some of the aforementioned problems. Currently, such tissue engineered substitutes have been gaining popularity, as evidenced by >80 published preclinical and 20 clinical studies. This review summarises the currently available literature on the cell-based tissue engineered substitutes (11 studies) for urethral reconstruction. Clinical translational challenges and future directions are also discussed.