Enxertos autógenos de fáscia lata na reparação de defeito uretral em cães

Abstract

Urethral disorders represent a major challenge in reconstructive veterinary surgery, particularly when extensive tissue loss prevents primary anastomosis. In this context, several biomaterials have been investigated as alternatives for urethral reconstruction, including autologous fascia lata, due to its favorable mechanical and biological properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of urethroplasty using an autologous fascia lata graft in an ex vivo experimental model. Ten male canine cadavers were used, in which a tubular fascia lata graft was constructed to reconstruct a urethral defect measuring approximately 2–3 cm. Following the procedure, the integrity of the reconstruction was assessed by retrograde contrast urethrography. The fascia lata proved to be easily harvested and manipulated for the construction of the tubular graft. However, contrast leakage was observed in all specimens, predominantly at the urethral anastomosis sites and, less frequently, along the tubular graft suture line, indicating failure of the reconstruction to achieve a watertight seal. Therefore, under the conditions of the present study, the technique was not mechanically feasible.