Management of bladder exstrophy

The exstrophy-epispadias complex is a severe anomaly of the lower urinary tract. While the surgical reconstruction of normal anatomy in patients with this disorder was once considered impossible, modern management has made possible a near-normal reconstruction of the bladder and lower abdominal wall. Early operation in the neonatal period along with closure of the pelvic ring has been shown to significantly improve results in terms of continence and achievement of adequate bladder capacity. With the possibility of prenatal diagnosis, it is important that the counseling obstetricians and neonatologists should understand the basis of the surgical management and the outcome that can be expected.