Classic bladder exstrophy and complete rectal prolapse in a 10 year-old child with no previous surgical intervention:...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Congenital Anomalies
• Surgical Management

Background:

• Bladder exstrophy (BE) presents a significant challenge in pediatric urology.
• Optimal timing for primary BE closure is debated, typically within 72 hours or 6-12 weeks of life.
• Delayed presentation until adolescence is uncommon but occurs due to socioeconomic and healthcare access barriers.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old Syrian male with a history of untreated bladder exstrophy and complete rectal prolapse was documented.
• The patient had no prior surgical interventions for his congenital conditions.
• This case represents a rare instance of delayed diagnosis and management of BE.

Findings:

• The case underscores the impact of limited healthcare access and socioeconomic factors on timely treatment of congenital anomalies.
• Concurrent rectal prolapse in a delayed BE presentation adds complexity to the clinical picture.
• Successful surgical intervention for such complex cases requires careful planning and multidisciplinary care.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for improved awareness and healthcare accessibility in developing regions for congenital anomalies like BE.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering associated anomalies in delayed BE presentations.
• Suggests the potential for novel surgical approaches or staged procedures in managing complex, late-presenting cases.