University Hospital, Innsbruck researchers used patients’ own stem cells to rebuild feeble bladder-control muscles.

The researchers removed a cube of muscle tissue from the women’s biceps. Stem cells from the tissue were extracted and then grown in culture for six weeks, producing about 50 million myoblasts – the precursors of muscle fibers. The myoblasts were then injected into the urethra wall and bladder sphincter, using real-time ultrasound to make sure the cells made contact with their target. Within 24 hours, 90% of the women had improved bladder function.