Bladder Exstrophy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Bladder exstrophy is a disorder that appears at birth, in which the bladder and its associated organs are outside the abdominal wall.
For pregnant women, regular pregnancy checks and at least one ultrasound (USG) can help see possible defects in the fetal organs. Thus, if defects are found, the actions to be taken can be well planned.
Symptoms
Symptoms seen in patients with bladder exstrophy depend on the magnitude of the defect found. Abnormalities that can accompany bladder exstrophy are:
- The distance between the pubic bones is widened.
- The amount of collagen tissue that makes up bones, teeth, joints, muscles and skin increases, but the muscles of the bladder decrease.
- The location of the opening of the urinary tract is above where it should be.
- The size of the penis is smaller than normal and/or the testicles have not descended into the scrotum.
- The vaginal opening is narrow, the vaginal lips are wide, and the urinary tract opening is short.
- Narrow anus or located out of the body cavity.
Reason
The cause of bladder exstrophy is not known with certainty. However, the physical characteristics present in this disorder are the result of developmental abnormalities that occur during embryonic development, in which the tissue that forms the excretory canal is not replaced by the tissue that will form the abdominal muscles.
Diagnosis
Examination for signs of this abnormality can be done since the baby is still in the womb, namely through ultrasonography (USG). After the baby is born, the diagnosis can also be made by physical examination.
Repair procedures for bladder exstrophy are generally performed before the newborn leaves the hospital. If surgery is postponed, the tests carried out in preparation are urine tests, blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
Treatment
The therapy used to correct bladder exstrophy is surgery to move the abdominal organs that are exposed to the outside world, so they can return to the abdominal cavity.
Surgery is needed for:
- Establish urinary control.
- Prevent problems with sexual function in the future.
- Improve physical appearance.
- Prevent infection.
Usually, surgery is done a few days after birth. However, the bladder must be large enough for surgery. If the bladder is not large enough, surgery can be postponed.
In such cases, the newborn is sent home with antibiotics. You will also be taught to keep your bladder from drying out.