Bladder exstrophy repair

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

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

Description

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.

Risks

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