Neonatal bladder exstrophy: a case report and literature review of long-term outcomes

Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a rare, complex, congenital malformation predominantly observed in men. We report a case of a female infant with BE who underwent complete primary repair of BE (CPRE). After 5 weeks of appropriate medical care and nursing, the infant was discharged successfully without urinary retention, hematuria, fever, or abdominal distention. After discharge, the child was followed up via telephone. At 1.5 months post-op, the child showed no signs of urinary incontinence, hydronephrosis, or reflux. However, ultrasonography revealed an unfilled bladder. By the third month, the child voided volitionally through the urethra every 3 h. At 6 months of age, renal ultrasonography revealed an unfilled bladder. Children may undergo augmentation cystoplasty at 2 or 3 years of age. During telephone follow-ups, the parents expressed concerns regarding their child's sexual function and fertility in adulthood. Patient follow-up will be continued to determine long-term health outcomes.