New biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stents for repair of traumatic urethral stricture

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and effect of the new biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stents in treatment of traumatic urethral stricture. Methods Twenty-five adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into study group (n=20) and control group (n=5) according to the random number table. In study group, rabbit models of traumatic urethral stricture were developed by self-designed explosive devices. All the stents were inserted under direct vision. Reparative results were evaluated by urethroscopy, retrograde urethrogram and histological examinations at postoperative 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results In study group all the stents were smoothly inserted into the strictured urethra without the occurrence of stent migration and lithogenesis. Urethroscopy showed that the stents in study group were partially degraded at 8 weeks, mostly degraded at 12 weeks and discharged with the urine. And from the naked eye, there was no distinct difference between the repaired and normal urinary mucosa. Retrograde urethrogram demonstrated the stents restored urethral patency. Histological examinations showed the stents minimized stent-related inflammatory reactions, uroepithelial hyperplasia and scar formation. Conclusion New biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stents exhibiting good biocompatibility are more effective to repair urethral stricture in rabbits. Key words: Urethral stricture; Wounds and injuries; Drug-eluting stents