Transplantation of Ureteral Segments to the Abdominal Wall.

In previous communications 1 , 2 an osteogenic effect of the epithelium of the urinary bladder, ureter and renal pelvis was demonstrated when the epithelium was brought into association with certain connective tissues such as the muscles and fasciae of the abdominal wall, extremities, etc., in the dog.

These observations on the ureter have been repeated and extended. In 4 dogs a 3 cm. segment of the ureter was excised and split along its long axis. This rectangular piece was then sutured on the right internal oblique muscle with silk and the wound closed. The experiments were terminated at 35, 42, 62, and 79 days and in all cases an epithelial lined cyst was found partly surrounded by bone.

In the same 4 dogs in a corresponding part of the left internal oblique muscle a 3 cm. segment of the ureter, not split but left in its original tube form was sutured. The ends were not ligated. Examination 35, 42, 62 and 79 days later showed (1) the ends of the transplant had closed, (2) the lumen of the transplant contained a small quantity (0.5-1.0 ccm.) of cloudy fluid, (3) bone had not formed around the transplant.

Histological examination showed the transplant lined with transitional epithelium; a rather large amount of smooth muscle of the ureteral wall has survived the transplantation.