What is bladder exstrophy?

What is bladder exstrophy?

Bladder exstrophy is a birth defect (congenital abnormality) where your bladder develops inside out. Your bladder is a small organ in the low abdomen (belly). Shaped like a balloon, it holds urine(pee) until you’re ready to go to the bathroom.

In newborns with bladder exstrophy, the skin and pelvis do not join correctly. As a result, the bladder may not close. It sticks out of the skin on the baby’s belly. The bladder may also be flat instead of round.