This study aimed to evaluate and compare between gastric and tunica vaginalis grafts for urinary bladder augmentation. Twelve apparently healthy dogs were divided into two equal groups. In the first group, a vascularized gastric segment was used (gastrocystoplaty), whereas a tunica vaginalis sheet (tunica vaginalis cystoplasty) was used in the second one. The two techniques were assessed clinically, radiographically, ultrasonographically and histopathologically. Urination frequency and behavior were normal in the first group, while three animals in the second group have oliguria and increased urination frequency. Ultrasonographically, both groups showed bladder wall irregularity and intraluminal debris after one week, later on, the wall became regular with a clear anechoic lumen. Cystography, at the 12th week, showed a flared apex bladder in gastrocystoplasty versus an excellent contour and balloon shaped bladder in the 2nd group. Histopathological picture in the 1st group worsened from 6 to 12 week post-operatively, while the 2nd group was characterized by a transition epithelium proliferation from week 6 and became complete by week 12. In conclusion, Tunica vaginalis has been proven to be more advantageous for bladder augmentation than gastrocystoplasty, as it has minimal post-operative complications and acted as a scaffold for creeping of bladder urothelium.
Key words: Urinary bladder, cystoplasty, Tunica vaginalis, stomach, dogs.
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