What is cloacal exstrophy?

What is cloacal exstrophy?

Cloacal exstrophy affects the formation of an unborn baby’s lower abdominal wall. Because the wall doesn’t form properly, the baby’s bladder and part of the large intestines (colon) are enclosed in a membrane on the outside of the body. The condition also affects a child’s genitals.

Cloacal exstrophy is a type of birth defect or congenital urinary anomaly. This means the condition occurs while a baby is developing in the womb and is present at birth. After a series of corrective surgeries that begin shortly after birth, most children with cloacal exstrophy do well and lead full lives.