Bladder exstrophy repair

Alternative names:

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

Expectations after surgery:

Surgery is necessary to:

• prevent infection that could decrease kidney function
• allow the child to develop normal urinary control
• improve the child's physical appearance
• avoid future problems with sexual function

Some children are unable to develop adequate urinary control and may later need further urinary repair.

Convalescence:

The length of hospitalization depends on how severe the defect is, if there are other problems, and how many stages of surgical correction are needed. Complete healing can take 4 to 6 weeks.