Exstrophic anomalies: recent advances and long-term outlook

Exstrophy-epispadias complex has been a difficult disease to treat. As in the minds of the public and most physicians alike, these children are crippled with life-long ailments and multiple operations. Much of the morbidity of this condition relates to failure to preserve urogenital tract function in these children. In recent years, through better understanding of the exstrophic anatomy and improved surgical techniques, complete repair of the exstrophic anomaly has become possible as soon as the child is born. Results of such closure indicate that such repair is not only feasible but mandatory for a successful outcome. Continence rate and cosmetic appearance are superior to the conventional 3-stage technique. Such repair is also socially acceptable as the parents will bring home a normal-looking baby with much fewer operations expected in the future. It is anticipated that complete one-stage exstrophy closure in the newborn period will revolutionize the outcome of all exstrophy patients.