Exstrophy of the bladder is a rare congenital medical condition characterized by the abnormal development of the lower abdominal wall and urinary tract. It is a part of a spectrum of abnormalities known as the exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC), which also includes related conditions such as epispadias and cloacal exstrophy.
In exstrophy of the bladder, the front wall of the bladder fails to form properly during fetal development, resulting in an exposure of the inner bladder lining to the outside of the body through an opening in the lower abdominal wall. This opening can vary in size and severity, from a small ventral urethral defect to a more extensive condition involving portions of the urethra, bladder neck, and even the ureters.
Exstrophy of the bladder can lead to difficulties in bladder control, urinary incontinence, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Additionally, the condition often results in malformations of the pelvic bones and muscles, as well as other associated urological abnormalities. Surgical intervention is almost always necessary to repair the bladder and abdominal wall, typically in the early months of life.
The cause of exstrophy of the bladder is not yet fully understood, but genetic factors and environmental influences during pregnancy are believed to contribute to its development. While the condition is relatively rare, affecting approximately 1 in every 30,000 births, it requires lifelong management with a multidisciplinary team of specialists including urologists, orthopedic surgeons, and psychologists, to help individuals affected by exstrophy of the bladder achieve optimal urinary and reproductive function, as well as emotional well-being.
