15/08/2026
Bladder exstrophy
is a rare birth defect where the urinary bladder develops outside the lower abdomen. It happens because the skin, muscles, and pelvic bones do not join properly during pregnancy. The exposed bladder is flat and open, meaning it cannot store urine normally. It affects about 1 in every 10,000 to 50,000 live births.
Signs and Symptoms
1.Exposed bladder: A visible red, mass-like patch of bladder tissue on the lower belly.
2.Epispadias: An open, malformed urethra (the tube that drains urine).Wide p***c bones: The front pelvic bones do not meet in the middle.
3.Genital differences: A shorter or curved p***s in males, or separated parts of the cl****is and l***a in females.
4.Incontinence: Constant leaking of urine because the bladder cannot hold it.
Causes and Diagnosis
Developmental error: It occurs early in pregnancy when tissue fails to support the lower belly wall and cloacal membrane.
Unknown triggers: Most cases happen by chance with no clear family history.
Detection: Doctors can sometimes spot it during a routine prenatal ultrasound, or immediately after birth through a physical exam.
Treatment and Surgery
A. Multiple operations: Newborns need a series of specialized surgeries to close the bladder, reconstruct the pelvic bones, and rebuild the ge****ls.
B. Primary goals: Surgeons place the bladder inside the body, fix the abdominal wall, and work toward giving the child normal urinary control and appearance over time.
C. Long-term care: Children need lifelong checkups with a pediatric urologist to protect kidney health and manage bladder function.
