Bladder Exstrophy - Spectrum of Anomalies

Spectrum of Anomalies

The typical manifestation of exstrophy-epispadias complex is

• bladder everted through a midline lower abdominal wall defect
• widening of the pubic symphysis
• epispadias in males (dorsal cleft in the penis, exposing the urethral mucosa)
• the anus and vagina appear anteriorly displaced
• the testicles may be undescended.
• bifid clitoris in females, with a short "urethral strip" indistinguishable from bladder mucosa.

The spectrum of disease extends from spade penis and epispadias on one hand, to exstrophy with cloaca (also known as cloacal exstrophy).