Exstrophy of the bladder
Overview
Bladder exstrophy, more properly, the exstrophy-epispadias complex is a rare congenital anomality occurring once every 40,000-50,000 live births with a 2:1 male:female ratio. The diagnosis involves a spectrum of anomalies of the lower abdominal wall, bladder, anterior bony pelvis, and external genitalia. It occurs due to failure of the abdominal wall to close during fetal development and results in protrusion of the posterior bladder wall through the lower abdominal wall.
Causes
Risks with this procedure may include: * Chronic urinary tract infections * Erectile/sexual dysfunction * Inadequate urinary control (incontinence) * Need for future surgeries Risks for any anesthesia are: * Breathing problems * Reactions to medications Risks for any surgery are: * Bleeding * Infection
Prognosis
Surgery is necessary to: * Allow the child to develop normal urinary control * Avoid future problems with sexual function * Improve the child's physical appearance * Prevent infection that could decrease kidney function
Treatment
Modern therapy is aimed at surgical reconstruction of the bladder and genitalia