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Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran

Consultant Pediatric Urologist in Hyderabad

Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran

Consultant Pediatric Urologist in Hyderabad

Bladder Exstrophy in Children: Understanding the Condition

Bladder Exstrophy in Children: Understanding the Condition

Bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital condition where the urinary bladder lies open outside the child’s body. This birth defect presents as a pink mass in the lower abdomen, accompanied by continuous leakage of urine. The condition is often associated with abnormal genital development and requires prompt surgical intervention to ensure normal urinary function and quality of life.

What Is Bladder Exstrophy?

Bladder exstrophy occurs when the lower abdominal wall does not develop properly during pregnancy. As a result, the urinary bladder is exposed on the outside of the body. This condition is typically identified at birth due to the visible pink mass with continuous urinary leak. Bladder exstrophy can also involve other abnormalities, such as irregularly formed genitalia and, in some cases, groin swelling (hernia).

Causes of Bladder Exstrophy

The condition is caused by incomplete development of the lower abdominal wall during fetal growth. This developmental issue results in the urinary bladder being exposed outside the abdomen and is associated with other structural abnormalities in the urinary and genital systems.

Symptoms of Bladder Exstrophy

Key signs of bladder exstrophy include:

  • A visible pink mass in the lower abdomen (exposed bladder).
  • Continuous leakage of urine from the exposed bladder.
  • Abnormal appearance of the genitalia.
  • Possible groin swelling due to hernia.

Diagnosis and Monitoring

Bladder exstrophy is usually diagnosed at birth based on its characteristic appearance. Additional tests and imaging studies may be conducted by a pediatric urologist to evaluate the extent of the condition and plan treatment.

Treatment Options

Surgical correction is essential for children with bladder exstrophy. The treatment process typically includes:

  • Bladder Closure Surgery: The exposed bladder and urinary tube (urethra) are surgically closed to restore normal urinary function.
  • Genital Reconstruction: Abnormal genitalia may be corrected during or after bladder closure surgery.
  • Bladder Augmentation: In some cases, the bladder’s capacity may be enhanced using tissue from the food pipe (intestine).
  • Hip Bone Correction: Surgery may also be required to address associated abnormalities in the pelvic bones.

Importance of Specialized Care

Bladder exstrophy is a complex condition that requires care from a specialized Pediatric Urologist. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can significantly improve the child’s quality of life by enabling normal urinary function and addressing associated abnormalities.

Contact Us

If your child has been diagnosed with bladder exstrophy or if you suspect this condition, you can choose to consult Dr Prabhu Karunakaran, an expert Pediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon in Hyderabad for comprehensive care. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.drprabhukarunakaran.com.

 

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