Relationship between the size of the bladder template and the subsequent bladder capacity in bladder exstrophy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the size of the bladder template in infants born with bladder exstrophy and the subsequent bladder capacity at the age of 1 and 5 years.

Infants with bladder exstrophy were photographed at birth, and 2 parallel lines were drawn transversally on the photograph across the anterior-superior iliac spines and on the bladder template. The ratio between the 2 lines was calculated, and the bladder templates categorized as (a) small (≥ 4), (b) medium (3-4), and (c) large (<3). Bladder capacity was subsequently measured at 1 and 5 years and considered satisfactory when 60 mL or greater at the age of 1 year and 100 mL or greater at the age of 5 years.

Sixteen patients were identified. At the age of 1 and 5 years, 81% and 94% had achieved a satisfactory bladder capacity, irrespective of their original template group. Nonetheless, those in group C still showed significantly larger capacities at the age of 5 years than those in groups A and B (P < .05).

Bladder exstrophy patients, who undergo a successful primary closure, can achieve satisfactory capacities despite smaller bladder templates at birth.