A comparison of renal function in the exstrophy patient treated with staged reconstruction versus urinary diversion

To assess the preservation of renal function in bladder exstrophy 91 patients with classical bladder exstrophy managed with either staged reconstruction or urinary diversion were reviewed. Renal damage was defined as the development of a renal scar or a persistent elevation in serum creatinine. Of the patients 72 have completed the bladder reconstruction; 51 (71 per cent) are continent and renal damage occurred in 10 (13 per cent) of the reconstructed patients. Median followup was 12.7 years. In a comparable group of 23 exstrophy patients managed by urinary diversion the occurrence of renal damage was notably higher: 82 per cent for ileal conduits, 22 per cent for nonrefluxing colonic conduits and 33 per cent for ureterosigmoidostomy. Based on these results we believe that staged reconstruction of the patient with classical bladder exstrophy offers a low risk for renal injury, an excellent chance for urinary continence and a more acceptable cosmetic appearance.