Tissue engineering in urology

Excerpt

Recent advances in tissue engineering have offered new therapeutic opportunities in the field of urology in which conventional treatment modalities for some conditions may be inadequate. This is being facilitated by the development of innovative technologies that have allowed for the creation of urological tissue substitutes with the goal of restoring normal function. Although several urologic tissues, such as the bladder and urethra, have been applied in the clinical setting, further refinement and more studies are needed. Due to the potential of delivering new and improved therapies to urological patients, continued enthusiasm for research interests has translated into vigorous investigative activities in almost all areas of the urologic system. Thus, the World Journal of Urology’s special focus on tissue engineering is timely, and is aimed to provide insight into various aspects of the urologic tissue building process. …