What is bladder exstrophy?
Bladder exstrophy is a rare birth defect in which the bladder is exposed outside the abdomen and the lower urinary tract, abdominal wall, pelvis, and genital structures develop differently. It belongs to the exstrophy-epispadias spectrum and requires specialist pediatric urology follow-up from the first days of life.
How is it diagnosed?
Some cases are suspected before birth on prenatal ultrasound or fetal MRI, but many are diagnosed immediately after birth because the bladder is visibly open on the lower abdominal wall. Initial evaluation focuses on confirming the anatomy, protecting the exposed bladder, and assessing the kidneys and ureters.
Does it always need immediate surgery?
The baby needs prompt specialist assessment after birth, but the exact timing and type of reconstruction depend on bladder size, the pelvic bones, the surgical plan, and the treating center. The main principle is to coordinate care in a center experienced with staged reconstruction and long-term urinary follow-up.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment often includes closure of the bladder and abdominal wall, management of the bladder neck and urethra, and later procedures to improve continence, protect the kidneys, and optimize genital reconstruction if needed. Some centers use single-stage repair, while others prefer staged surgery depending on the anatomy.
Why does long-term follow-up matter?
Bladder exstrophy is not solved by one operation alone. Children need follow-up for bladder growth, vesicoureteral reflux, urinary infections, kidney function, continence, and future sexual and reproductive health. Families also need a clear long-term roadmap.
Dr. Kallas Chemaly's approach
Dr. Kallas Chemaly helps families understand the diagnosis early, coordinates safe referral and reconstructive planning when necessary, and maintains close pediatric urology follow-up to protect kidney function, support bladder development, and guide families step by step.
References
- Boston Children's Hospital: Bladder Exstrophy
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Bladder exstrophy repair
Serving families across Beirut and Mount Lebanon
Dr. Kallas Chemaly sees children from Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh, Saifi, Sodeco, Verdun, Hamra, Clemenceau, Ras Beirut, Rabieh, Mtayleb, Brummana, Beit Mery, Bikfaya, Mansourieh, Kornet Chehwan, Antelias, Dbayeh, Jounieh, Kaslik, Hazmieh, Yarze, and across Keserwan, Metn, and Baabda.