ISSN: 2640-2637
Authors: Thambidorai CR*
Reconstruction of the male urethra has been and remains a challenge in adult and pediatric urology, especially for long urethral defects in the former and re-do surgery for hypospadias repair in the latter. The ability of stem cells for multipotent differentiation and the recognition of urine derived stem cells (USCs) have significantly improved the application of stem cell technology in urology, particularly for the reconstruction of urethra. USCs are recoverable from voided urine and the techniques for their recovery have improved in recent years. Stem cells from the bladder have been successfully seeded on to scaffolds for the regeneration of tubular urethra like structure. Despite these encouraging results, many issues remain in the clinical application of stem cells in urethral regeneration and other urological procedures. These include better understanding of the multiplication potential and direction of differentiation of stem cells, functionality of the tissues generated and avoidance of harmful effects like development of neoplasms. Appropriate choice of the source of stem cells and methods of administration for the different conditions requiring their use need more research. Governing regulations in the use of stem cell therapy is another challenge that requires to be addressed.
Keywords: Stem Cells; Urology; Urethral Regeneration; Urine Derived Stem Cells
