Bladder Exstrophy
Prenatal & Parturition Information
Prenatal & Parturition Information
For parents that have recently received the prenatal diagnosis of bladder/cloacal exstrophy, we understand how overwhelming the news can be and we are here to support and guide you through this difficult time.
When a mother is diagnosed with bladder exstrophy/cloacal exstrophy in utero, it is particularly important for the parents to get connected to expert healthcare professionals and resources in order to become educated and guided through the birth process and to become familiar with what to expect for the life of their child moving forward.
At OKC Kids Urology, we are strong supporters and advocates for parents to get connected to the Association of Bladder Exstrophy Community (ABC) among others. This organization is designed to connect experts and parents alike so that there is a place for people on the medical side as well as the parent/family side to find resources and people to help, to bring knowledge, socialization, and a sense of community.
Natural vaginal delivery is a reasonable expectation for a baby with epispadias or bladder exstrophy, but for cloacal exstrophy a caesarian section is preferred. This will allow for a more predictable delivery so that your newborn baby will be carefully examined by the neonatology team upon delivery. Your pediatric urologist will also see your baby to confirm the diagnosis and provide recommendations for the next steps. The next steps will include information on how to care for your baby once you leave the hospital as well as an outlined plan for surgery that includes timing and technique for repair. It is common after the initial closure surgery for the child to have additional surgeries to achieve dryness. Some (about 25%) will achieve “normal” continence while almost all others will be able to utilize catheterization to achieve dryness. Almost all bladder exstrophy patients will have normal sexual sensation, function, and fertility.
