Normal urodynamics in patients with bladder exstrophy: are they achievable?

Urodynamic study was performed in patients with exstrophy to determine the effect of bladder neck reconstruction and the ability to achieve normal urodynamics following surgery.

A total of 30 exstrophy cases at different stages of reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed in terms of bladder capacity, compliance, stability and presence of detrusor contractions following urodynamic study.

Bladder capacity increased from a third predicted volume for age to half after reconstruction. Approximately 80% of patients had compliant and stable bladders before bladder neck reconstruction. Following bladder neck reconstruction approximately half of the patients maintained normal compliance with a smaller number maintaining normal stability. A quarter of patients maintained normal filling dynamics following bladder neck reconstruction, and 19% maintained normal filling and voiding dynamics after reconstruction.

The majority of closed exstrophy bladders have normal filling dynamics before bladder neck reconstruction. Compliance and stability are impaired following bladder neck reconstruction. Approximately 25% of patients with exstrophy may maintain normal detrusor function following reconstruction. However, less invasive alternatives to the Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction should be sought.