Definition:
Extrophy of the Bladder or to use the more appropriate medical term, exstrophy-epispadias complex, which is an extremely rare congenital abnormality. This medical condition involves a number of anomalies affecting the bladder, abdominal walls, external genetalia and anterior bone pelvis.
Diagnosis:
Bladder exstrophy is primarily diagnosed usually after birth through ultrasound, It is best to have a prenatal diagnosis to be able to make the necessary preparations for the baby such as scheduling the labor, pre-operative evaluations and surgery and well as preparations for supplementary care.
Treatment:
Treatment for bladder extrophy involves a rather complex surgical repair of bladder through a staged procedure. This includes closure of the abdominal and posterior walls, bladder neck reconstruction, and urethral closure.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms for bladder extrophy includes exposure of the posterior bladder walls, separated pubic rami, wide set ischial bones, ureteral reflux, opening in abdominal wall and dilated ureters.
Causes:
The underlying cause of extrophy of the bladder is still unknown. However, among the most popular theory has suggested that it is mainly a result of the overdevelopment of the cloacal membrane. This is the temporary membrane that provides the pathway during the normal development of the fetus.
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