Bladder exstrophy repair

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Male bladder anatomy

Bladder exstrophy repair is a surgery to repair bladder exstrophy. Exstrophy of the urinary bladder is an uncommon birth defect in which the bladder is exposed, inside out, and protrudes through the abdominal wall.

This defect also includes a separation of the pelvic bones. It occurs more often in boys. The condition is often associated with other congenital birth defects. Surgery to repair the defect is usually performed within the first 48 hours after birth.

Bladder birth defect repair; Everted bladder repair; Exposed bladder repair; Repair of bladder exstrophy

The first surgery needed is to separate the exposed bladder from the abdominal wall and close the bladder (bladder repair). The bladder neck and urethra are repaired. A flexible, hollow tube (catheter) is left in to drain the urine from the bladder through the abdominal wall. A second catheter is left in the urethra to promote healing.

Because the pelvic bones are separated, the child will also need to have the pelvic bones surgically attached to each other. After this surgery, the child will need to be in a lower body cast or sling to promote healing of the bones. This surgery may be done with the first surgery, or it may be delayed for weeks or months.

The surgery is recommended for children who are born with exposed and everted (exstrophied) bladders.

Review Date: 06/13/2006
Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.