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Semin Reprod Med 2011; 29(1): 038-044
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268702
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Bioengineering a Vaginal Replacement Using a Small Biopsy of Autologous Tissue

Ryan P. Dorin1 , Anthony Atala2 , Roger E. DeFilippo1 , 3
  • 1USC Institute of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • 2Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem
  • 3Division of Urology, Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 January 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Many congenital and acquired diseases result in the absence of a normal vagina. Patients with these conditions often require reconstructive surgery to achieve satisfactory cosmesis and physiological function, and a variety of materials have been used as tissue sources. Currently employed graft materials such as collagen scaffolds and small intestine are not ideal in that they fail to mimic the physiology of normal vaginal tissue. Engineering of true vaginal tissue from a small biopsy of autologous vagina should produce a superior graft material for vaginal reconstruction. This review describes our current experience with the engineering of such tissue and its use for vaginal reconstruction in animal models. Our successful construction and implantation of neovaginas through tissue engineering techniques demonstrates the feasibility of similar endeavors in human patients. Additionally, the use of pluripotent stem cells instead of autologous tissue could provide an “off-the-shelf” tissue source for vaginal reconstruction.

KEYWORDS

Tissue engineering - vaginal replacement - autologous

REFERENCES

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Roger E DeFilippoM.D. 

Associate Professor of Urology, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

4650 Sunset Blvd., MS#114, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Email: rdefilippo@chla.usc.edu