Bladder exstrophy repair
Alternative Names: Bladder birth defect repair; Everted bladder repair; Exposed bladder repair; Repair of bladder exstrophy
Bladder exstrophy repair is surgery to repair a birth defect in which the bladder is inside out and sticks out of the abdominal wall. The pelvic bones are also separated.
Description of Procedure
Bladder exstrophy repair involves two surgeries: one to repair the bladder and another to attach the pelvic bones to each other.
The first surgery separates the exposed bladder from the abdomen wall and closes the bladder. The bladder neck and urethra are repaired. A flexible, hollow tube called a catheter is placed to drain urine from the bladder through the abdominal wall. A second catheter is left in the urethra to promote healing.
The second surgery, pelvic bone surgery, may be done along with the bladder repair, or it may be delayed for weeks or months.
A third surgery may be needed if there is a bowel defect.
Risks of Bladder exstrophy repair
Risks with this procedure may include:
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Erectile/sexual dysfunction
- Inadequate urinary control (incontinence)
- Kidney problems
- Need for future surgeries
Risks for any anesthesia are:
- Breathing problems
- Reactions to medications
Risks for any surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Learn more about Bladder exstrophy repair
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
