Cloacal Exstrophy: A 22-Year Experience

Abstract

Experience in the mangement of 12 patients with cloacal exstrophy is discussed. All patients underwent functional bladder closure. Of 7 evaluable patients 3 (43%) have continent intervals of 3-4 h and constitute the 1st report of satisfactory urinary continence following functional bladder closure in patients with cloacal exstrophy. Of 8 patients with an XY karyotype 6 were raised as girls with satisfactory genitoplasty, while 2 raised as boys had functionally inadequate external genitalia. The management of the rudimentary hindgut varied and the alternative approaches are discussed. This patient population can be rehabilitated to lead productive lives.