User:Mr. Ibrahem/Bladder exstrophy

Bladder exstrophy is a birth defect that involves the low abdominal wall, urinary tract, genitals, and pelvic bones. There is generally protrusion of the urinary bladder through the abdominal wall and separation of the pubic bones. Urine leaks from this area. In males there may be a small penis and undescended testicles.

The cause is unclear. Risk factors include smoking and radiation exposure during pregnancy. The underlying mechanism is thought to involve an abnormally large cloacal membrane which prevents mesenchymal tissue from moving to the midline. It is part of the spectrum of abnormalities known as bladder exstrophy-epispadias-cloacal exstrophy complex. The diagnosis is based on examination.

Prevention is by folate supplementation before pregnancy. Treatment at the time of birth involves covering the area with clear plastic wrap such as saran wrap. This is than followed by surgery, which may be done in one or more operations. Outcomes may be complicated by urinary incontinence, hydronephrosis, urinary tract infections, or bladder cancer.

Bladder exstrophy occurs in about 1 in 50,000 newborns. Males are more frequently affected than females. It was first described in 2000 BC. The term "exstrophy" is Greek for "to turn inside out".