Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Modern Management of Bladder Exstrophy Repair

  • Pediatric Urology (M Castellan and R Gosalbez, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The exstrophy–epispadias complex is a rare congenital malformation of the genitourinary system, abdominal wall musculature, and pelvic bones. Historically, surgical outcomes in patients with classic bladder exstrophy, the most common presentation of the exstrophy–epispadias complex, were poor. However, modern techniques have increased the success of achieving urinary continence, satisfactory cosmesis, and improved quality of life. Still, recent studies recognize complications that may occur during management of these patients. This review provides readers with an overview of the exstrophy–epispadias complex, the modern management of bladder exstrophy, and potential surgical complications.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

EEC:

Exstrophy–epispadias complex

CBE:

Classic bladder exstrophy

OEIS:

Omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spinal abnormalities

VUR:

Vesicoureteral reflux

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

CIC:

Clean intermittent catheterization

MSRE:

Modern staged repair of exstrophy

CPRE:

Complete primary repair of exstrophy

BNR:

Bladder neck reconstruction

CUD:

Continent urinary diversion

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

  1. Lattimer JK, Smith MJ. Exstrophy closure: a followup on 70 cases. J Urol. 1966;95(3):356–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Gambhir L et al. Epidemiological survey of 214 families with bladder exstrophy–epispadias complex. J Urol. 2008;179(4):1539–43.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Nelson CP, Dunn RL, Wei JT. Contemporary epidemiology of bladder exstrophy in the United States. J Urol. 2005;173(5):1728–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Wood HM, Babineau D, Gearhart JP. In vitro fertilization and the cloacal/bladder exstrophy–epispadias complex: a continuing association. J Pediatr Urol. 2007;3(4):305–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Muecke EC. The Role of the Cloacal Membrane in Exstrophy: The First Successful Experimental Study. J Urol. 1964;92:659–67.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Martinez-Frias ML et al. Exstrophy of the cloaca and exstrophy of the bladder: two different expressions of a primary developmental field defect. Am J Med Genet. 2001;99(4):261–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Ambrose SS, O'Brien III DP. Surgical embryology of the exstrophy–epispadias complex. Surg Clin North Am. 1974;54(6):1379–90.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Dodson JL et al. The newborn exstrophy bladder inadequate for primary closure: evaluation, management and outcome. J Urol. 2001;165(5):1656–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Baka-Jakubiak M. Combined bladder neck, urethral and penile reconstruction in boys with the exstrophy–epispadias complex. BJU Int. 2000;86(4):513–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Diamond DA et al. Normal urodynamics in patients with bladder exstrophy: are they achievable? J Urol. 1999;162(3 Pt 1):841–4. discussion 844-5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Mathews R et al. Neural innervation of the newborn exstrophic bladder: an immunohistochemical study. J Urol. 1999;162(2):506–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Canning DA et al. The cephalotrigonal reimplant in bladder neck reconstruction for patients with exstrophy or epispadias. J Urol. 1993;150(1):156–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Mathews R, Hubbard JS, Gearhart JP. Ureteral reimplantation before bladder neck plasty in the reconstruction of bladder exstrophy: indications and outcomes. Urology. 2003;61(4):820–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Sponseller PD et al. The anatomy of the pelvis in the exstrophy complex. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1995;77(2):177–89.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Stec AA et al. Evaluation of the bony pelvis in classic bladder exstrophy by using 3D-CT: further insights. Urology. 2001;58(6):1030–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Connolly JA et al. Prevalence and repair of inguinal hernias in children with bladder exstrophy. J Urol. 1995;154(5):1900–1.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Diamond DA, Jeffs RD. Cloacal exstrophy: a 22-year experience. J Urol. 1985;133(5):779–82.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. •• Stec AA et al. Evaluation of pelvic floor muscular redistribution after primary closure of classic bladder exstrophy by 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. J Urol. 2012;188(4 Suppl):1535–42. Utilizing safe and modern technology, 3D MRI imaging provides a new frontier for evaluating exstrophy–epispadias patients. Not only can specific dimensions of the soft tissue be associated with specific outcomes, but one may also use these dimensions to help guide current procedures and techniques.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Woodhouse CR, Hinsch R. The anatomy and reconstruction of the adult female genitalia in classical exstrophy. Br J Urol. 1997;79(4):618–22.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. • Stec AA et al. Colorectal anomalies in patients with classic bladder exstrophy. J Pediatr Surg. 2011;46(9):1790–3. Colorectal anomalies occur in 1.6 % of CBE patients, a 72-fold increase compared to the general population. Physicians confronted with CBE should be aware of possible colorectal malformations and promptly evaluate and treat them.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Hurwitz RS et al. Cloacal exstrophy: a report of 34 cases. J Urol. 1987;138(4 Pt 2):1060–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Silver RI et al. Penile length in adulthood after exstrophy reconstruction. J Urol. 1997;157(3):999–1003.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. • Ansari MS et al. The application of pelvic osteotomy in adult female patients with exstrophy: applications and outcomes. BJU Int. 2011;108(6):908–12. The six exstrophy–epispadias patients who had previously undergone bladder closure presented with uterine prolapse or concerns about the appearance of their genitalia or abdominal wall. This study provides details about the possible genitalia presentations in the exstrophy–epispadias complex that physicians should be acknowledge.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Cadeddu JA et al. Spinal abnormalities in classic bladder exstrophy. Br J Urol. 1997;79(6):975–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. McLaughlin KP et al. Cloacal exstrophy: the neurological implications. J Urol. 1995;154(2 Pt 2):782–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Ebert AK et al. The exstrophy–epispadias complex. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2009;4:23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Gearhart JP et al. Criteria for the prenatal diagnosis of classic bladder exstrophy. Obstet Gynecol. 1995;85(6):961–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Mirk P, Calisti A, Fileni A. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of bladder extrophy. J Ultrasound Med. 1986;5(5):291–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. •• Goyal A et al. Antenatal diagnosis of bladder/cloacal exstrophy: challenges and possible solutions. J Pediatr Urol. 2012;8(2):140–4. The prospective study demonstrates that even with classic ultrasound characteristics of exstrophy, only 25 % of the newborns were diagnosed prenatally. Radiologists should be aware of these characteristics so that more children are diagnosed prenatally since 5 of 16 pregnancies with suspicion of exstrophy were terminated. MRI and karyotyping are other prenatal diagnostic modalities that can be explored.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Nelson CP et al. Bladder exstrophy in the newborn: a snapshot of contemporary practice patterns. Urology. 2005;66(2):411–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Ebert AK et al. Long-term follow-up of male patients after reconstruction of the bladder-exstrophy–epispadias complex: psychosocial status, continence, renal and genital function. J Pediatr Urol. 2010;6(1):6–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Baird AD, Nelson CP, Gearhart JP. Modern staged repair of bladder exstrophy: a contemporary series. J Pediatr Urol. 2007;3(4):311–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Novak TE et al. Failed exstrophy closure: management and outcome. J Pediatr Urol. 2010;6(4):381–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Mathews R. Achieving urinary continence in cloacal exstrophy. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2011;20(2):126–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Chan DY, Jeffs RD, Gearhart JP. Determinants of continence in the bladder exstrophy population: predictors of success? Urology. 2001;57(4):774–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Nelson CP et al. Economic impact of failed or delayed primary repair of bladder exstrophy: differences in cost of hospitalization. J Urol. 2008;179(2):680–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Gearhart JP et al. The multiple reoperative bladder exstrophy closure: what affects the potential of the bladder? Urology. 1996;47(2):240–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. • Baradaran N et al. Effect of failed initial closure on bladder growth in children with bladder exstrophy. J Urol. 2011;186(4):1450–4. The authors determined that patients with failed bladder closures have significantly smaller cystographic capacities and slower bladder growth compared to children with successful primary closures. This data highlights the importance of succeeding in the closing the defect for the first time.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Oesterling JE, Jeffs RD. The importance of a successful initial bladder closure in the surgical management of classical bladder exstrophy: analysis of 144 patients treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1975 and 1985. J Urol. 1987;137(2):258–62.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. McMahon DR et al. Vesical neck reconstruction in patients with the exstrophy–epispadias complex. J Urol. 1996;155(4):1411–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. • Rubenwolf PC et al. Persistent histological changes in the exstrophic bladder after primary closure-a cause for concern? J Urol. 2013;189(2):671–7. Analyzing bladder biopsies, the authors found inflammatory, proliferative, and metaplastic in CBE patients undergoing primary bladder closure, secondary reconstructive procedures, and cystectomy for failed reconstruction. While dysplasia or neoplasia were not observes, patients may be at risk for bladder metaplasia and abnormal urothelial differentiation with a prolonged exstrophied bladder. Furthemore, these changes may persist after closure indicating that these patient may be at an increased risk for dysplasia or neoplasia.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Corica FA et al. Intestinal metaplasia is not a strong risk factor for bladder cancer: study of 53 cases with long-term follow-up. Urology. 1997;50(3):427–31.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Chalmers D, Ferrer F. Continent urinary diversion in the epispadias-exstrophy complex. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2011;20(2):102–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Woodhouse CR, North AC, Gearhart JP. Standing the test of time: long-term outcome of reconstruction of the exstrophy bladder. World J Urol. 2006;24(3):244–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Surer I et al. Continent urinary diversion and the exstrophy–epispadias complex. J Urol. 2003;169(3):1102–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Jeffs RD. Functional closure of bladder exstrophy. Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser. 1977;13(5):171–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Novak TE et al. Polyps in the exstrophic bladder. A cause for concern? J Urol. 2005;174(4 Pt 2):1522–6. discussion 1526.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Grady RW, Mitchell ME. Complete primary repair of exstrophy. J Urol. 1999;162(4):1415–20.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Mitchell ME, Bagli DJ. Complete penile disassembly for epispadias repair: the Mitchell technique. J Urol. 1996;155(1):300–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. El-Sherbiny MT, Hafez AT. Complete repair of bladder exstrophy in boys: can hypospadias be avoided? Eur Urol. 2005;47(5):691–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Schaeffer AJ et al. Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy: a single institution referral experience. J Urol. 2011;186(3):1041–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Husmann DA, Gearhart JP. Loss of the penile glans and/or corpora following primary repair of bladder exstrophy using the complete penile disassembly technique. J Urol. 2004;172(4 Pt 2):1696–700. discussion 1700-1.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Alpert SA et al. Bladder neck fistula after the complete primary repair of exstrophy: a multi-institutional experience. J Urol. 2005;174(4 Pt 2):1687–9. discussion 1689-90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Shnorhavorian M et al. Long-term followup of complete primary repair of exstrophy: the Seattle experience. J Urol. 2008;180(4 Suppl):1615–9. discussion 1619-20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Hammouda HM, Kotb H. Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy: initial experience with 33 cases. J Urol. 2004;172(4 Pt 1):1441–4. discussion 1444.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Meldrum KK, Baird AD, Gearhart JP. Pelvic and extremity immobilization after bladder exstrophy closure: complications and impact on success. Urology. 2003;62(6):1109–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Gearhart JP et al. A combined vertical and horizontal pelvic osteotomy approach for primary and secondary repair of bladder exstrophy. J Urol. 1996;155(2):689–93.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Arlen AM et al. Safety and efficacy of spica casts for immobilization following initial bladder closure in classic bladder exstrophy. J Pediatr Urol. 2011;7(4):456–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Novak TE. Failed exstrophy closure. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2011;20(2):97–101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Sponseller PD et al. Anterior innominate osteotomy in repair of bladder exstrophy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001;83-A(2):184–93.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of Interest

Dr. Brian M. Inouye reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr. Eric Z. Massanyi reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr. Heather Di Carlo reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr. Bhavik B. Shah reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr. John P. Gearhart reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to John P. Gearhart.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Inouye, B.M., Massanyi, E.Z., Di Carlo, H. et al. Modern Management of Bladder Exstrophy Repair. Curr Urol Rep 14, 359–365 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-013-0332-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-013-0332-y

Keywords

Navigation