Ask the Expert

Get answers to your Pediatric Surgery questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Pediatrics Virtual Tour

Bladder exstrophy repair - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Bladder exstrophy repair:

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:

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.

Reviewed last on: 11/2/2008
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gearhart JP, Mathews R. Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex. In: Wein AJ, ed. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.

Hammer G, Hall S, Davis PJ. Anesthesia for general abdominal, thoracic, urologic, and bariatric surgery. In: Motoyama E, Davis P, eds. Smith’s Anesthesia for Infants and Children. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 19.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)