A population based analysis of continence outcomes and bladder exstrophy

Whereas the literature on bladder exstrophy is replete with outcomes of specific continence surgical procedures in highly select patients, there are no data on the outcomes related to continence for a complete exstrophy population, which is more comprehensive with respect to a variety of surgical procedures performed to achieve continence. To provide urologists and patients with an overview of potential continence outcomes devoid of any selection bias, we report on a comprehensive exstrophy population, focusing on the various procedures required for urinary continence.

We reviewed the charts of all patients with bladder and cloacal exstrophy who underwent a staged repair to achieve urinary continence at a single institution between 1988 and 1998. Urinary continence was then correlated to the types of surgical procedures, and subgroup analysis for predictors of urinary continence was performed. The type of bladder neck reconstruction allowed subgrouping cases into group 1-bladder neck reconstruction only, group 2-bladder neck reconstruction with augmentation and/or appendicovesicostomy and group 3-bladder neck closure.

Of the 43 patients identified 26 were male, 4 had cloacal exstrophy and 3 had complex exstrophy variants with ectopic hindgut and spina bifida. Groups 1 to 3 comprised 9, 15 and 19 patients with urinary continence rates of 56%, 67% and 100%, respectively. The age at which patients became continent was delayed in groups 2 and 3 (8.2 and 8.7 years, respectively) compared to group 1 (4.8). Of all the potential variants measured gender was the strongest predictor of continence with 94% of females versus 69% of males achieving it. Of the males those with (57%) compared to those without (83%) a history of bladder neck stenosis or paraexstrophy flaps had worse continence. Repeat bladder neck reconstruction was only successful in 23% of patients.

All patients can be rendered continent but many may achieve this successful outcome by other procedures following initial bladder neck reconstruction. When managing failed bladder neck reconstruction, the type of surgical repair chosen may need to address the need for enhanced bladder storage and the issue of potential bladder augmentation. The advances made in the treatment of the epispadiac urethra may now facilitate clean intermittent catheterization. Earlier recognition of the need for adjunctive storage procedures in addition to bladder neck reconstruction may facilitate the timing of providing enhanced continence, independence and self-esteem, and do so with fewer operative procedures. We speculate that the current complete urethral and bladder repair in newborns will add further to the storage functions of the native bladder tissues and improve the potential of achieving more effective bladder outlet control.