How is bladder exstrophy treated?
How is bladder exstrophy treated?
Babies born with bladder exstrophy need surgery to correct the condition.
Sometimes, babies have one surgery to close the abdomen and repair the urethra. Or babies may have surgery in three stages:
- Immediately after birth, babies have an operation to close the pelvis and bladder.
- Around 6 months of age, babies have another operation to rebuild the sex organs and urethra.
- Around 4 to 5 years of age, or at potty training age, surgeons fix the bladder so that it can hold urine (urinary continence) until it’s time to expel it.
The type and number of surgeries your baby needs depend on how severe their symptoms are. Your baby’s surgeon will explain the best approach for your baby’s needs. Some children may need additional surgeries to achieve continence as they grow.