Bladder exstrophy

Bladder exstrophy
Other namesEctopia vesicae
Female baby with classical bladder exstrophy
SpecialtyMedical genetics Edit this on Wikidata

Bladder exstrophy is a congenital anomaly that exists along the spectrum of the exstrophy-epispadias complex, and most notably involves protrusion of the urinary bladder through a defect in the abdominal wall. Its presentation is variable, often including abnormalities of the bony pelvis, pelvic floor, and genitalia. The underlying embryologic mechanism leading to bladder exstrophy is unknown, though it is thought to be in part due to failed reinforcement of the cloacal membrane by underlying mesoderm.[1] Exstrophy means the inversion of a hollow organ.[2]

  1. ^ Muecke EC: The role of the cloacal membrane in exstrophy: the first successful experimental study. J Urol 1964; 92:659.
  2. ^ Larsen WJ (2001). Human embryology (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone. p. 275. ISBN 0-443-06583-7.