Complex abdominal wall reconstruction combined with bladder closure in OEIS complex.

PURPOSE: Due to the large abdominal defect from the omphalocele and extreme pubic diastasis in cloacal exstrophy (CE), bioprosthetic material may be used to bridge this gap during abdominal closure in CE. This study examined presurgical factors associated with the use of bioprosthetic materials in CE closure and complications in these patients.

METHODS

An institutional database of exstrophy-epispadias complex patients was reviewed for CE. Inclusion criteria included CE and primary closure performed at the host institution from 1998 to 2018. Data collection included demographics, presurgical factors, use of bioprosthetic material, complications, and outcomes.

RESULTS

All 32 patients had a staged closure and pelvic osteotomy prior to bladder closure. Ten of the 32 patients incorporated a bioprosthetic material during abdominal wall closure. There is at least 3 months follow up for all patients, all had successful bladder closure without any postoperative hernias. Those who underwent closure without bioprosthetic material were younger at the time of closure (565 vs 693 days, p = 0.043). The differences in complication rates and mean pubic diastasis was not statistically significant, p = 0.079 and p = 0.457 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of bioprosthetic material is associated with older age at abdominal wall and bladder closure. The use of bioprosthetic material is a useful adjunct for secure abdominal wall closure in the reconstruction of CE.

TYPE OF STUDY: Prognostic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.