Objective To investigate an important role of the stem cells in reconstructing the tissues and organs. Methods Based on our own researches and combined with the review of the literature at home andabroad, the latest development of the cell therapy with the stem cells and the application of the seed cells in the tissue engineering were analyzed. Results As the stem cells are the origin of the human tissues and organs and have a higher self-renewal ability and extensive characteristics of proliferation in vitro, their imbedding and multi-differential potentialities were illustrated. Both the embryonic stem cells and the adult stem cells had a wide prospect as ideal seed cells for reparation and reconstruction of the impaired human tissues and organs. Conclusion The stem cells can play animportant role in repairing and reconstructing the injured tissues and organs and they have a promising prospect in clinical application. The further research and wide application of the stems cells will significantly improve the therapeutic effects on the injured tissues and organs.
Objective To explore and describe the clinical feasibility and value of reconstruction of complex urethral stricture with free postauricular graft. Methods Urethroplasties-with free postauricular grafts were performed in 17 patients with complex urethral strictures, including 6 cases in anterior urethras and11 cases in posterior urethras.The grafts were transplanted onto the opened urethras in the first stage;6 months later, the new urethras were shaped with the second stage urethroplasties in 14 patients.There patients succeeded in single-stage urethroplasties. The urethras and bladders were washed with antibiotic solution everyday after urethroplasties. Results Good- and satisfactoryresults were obtained in 15 cases 6 months after urethroplasties, regardless of the strictured sites and lengths. Maximal urinary flow rates ranged 14-32 ml/s. There were 2 cases accompanied with complications 6 months after urethroplasties,1 case of fistula was repaired,1 case of severe urethral stricture was reconstructed with opposite side free postauricular graft later. Three patients had mild urethral strictures 6 months after urethroplasties, they were cured with urethral dilatationsfor 4-8 times. Conclusion Reconstruction of complex urethralstricture with freepostauricular graft is a good and effective method to treat long or complex urethral strictures, especially for patients without adequate foreskin or penis skin.