Bladder exstrophy repair

Alternative names:

bladder birth defect repair; everted bladder repair; exposed bladder repair; repair of bladder exstrophy

Definition:

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 includes a separation of the pelvis bones. It occurs more often in boys. Surgery to repair the defect is usually performed within the first 48 hours after birth to reduce the chance of serious infection. The kidneys are usually normal.

Description:

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.

Because the pelvis bones are separated, the child will also need to have the pelvic bones surgically attached to each other. This surgery may be done with the first surgery or may be delayed for weeks or months.

Indications:

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