Stone-induced urethral fistula treatment with microfragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells: a case report from veterinary medicine with potential application in humans

Croat Med J. 2024 Jun 13;65(3):288-292. doi: 10.3325/cmj.2024.65.288.

Abstract

We report on a case of a two-year-old male dog, breed chow-chow, who suffered from urethral fistula as a result of ureterolithiasis. The urethral defect was identified intraoperatively with methylene blue. An autologous regenerative approach was combined with surgical closure of the defect, due to the well-known healing issues of the urethral wall in such conditions. A part of abdominal fat tissue was dissected to produce microfragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells, which was combined with platelet-rich plasma. The final product was applied in the area around the urethral defect closure. One month after the procedure, healing was confirmed with positive-contrast cystography. This therapeutic approach yielded success, and the follow-up period of one year was uneventful. The observed positive outcome of this approach in the canine model may be considered as a starting point for investigating the translational potential of the treatment in human medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology
  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / etiology
  • Dog Diseases / surgery
  • Dog Diseases / therapy
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urethral Diseases / etiology
  • Urethral Diseases / surgery
  • Urethral Diseases / therapy
  • Urethral Diseases / veterinary
  • Urinary Fistula / etiology
  • Urinary Fistula / surgery
  • Urinary Fistula / therapy
  • Urinary Fistula / veterinary