Combined bladder neck, urethral and penile reconstruction in boys with the exstrophy-epispadias complex

Abstract

Objective: To describe a one-stage combined bladder neck, urethral and penile reconstruction for achieving urinary continence and creating a penis with good cosmesis and function in boys with the exstrophy-epispadias complex.

Patients and methods: Seventy-three boys underwent the combined procedure, including 36 after classic bladder exstrophy closure and 37 with epispadias. All were completely incontinent at the time of combined reconstruction. The bladder capacity just before surgery was 70-180 mL and was greater in those with epispadias. The boys were 2.5-11 years old, with those in the exstrophy group being slightly older.

Results: Thirty-three boys (89%) with epispadias were completely continent during the day but 15 had episodes of nocturnal enuresis. Of boys with classic exstrophy, 27 (75%) were continent during the day but nine had occasional nocturnal enuresis. Eleven boys required intermittent catheterization, which they found easy to perform. In seven boys (10%) a urethrocutaneous fistula or urethral stricture developed.

Conclusions: Combined bladder neck, urethral and penile reconstruction can be carried out as a one-stage procedure in selected patients with adequate bladder capacity. Reconstruction of the whole length of the urethra facilitates intermittent catheterization.