Vesical neck reconstruction in patients with the exstrophy-epispadias complex.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the factors critical in achieving urinary medicine continence in patients with the exstrophy-epispadias complex.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 51 patients with epispadias and 33 with classic bladder exstrophy underwent vesical neck reconstruction. Patient records were reviewed to identify factors associated with achievement of continence, including timing of bladder closure and urethroplasty, effect of bladder capacity before and after vesical reconstruction, and effect of enterocystoplasty.

RESULTS

Complete urinary continence was achieved in 42 of the 51 patients with epispadias (82%) and in 23 of the 33 with exstrophy (70%). Delayed bladder closure did not affect the ability to gain continence but increased the likelihood of subsequent enterocystoplasty (12 of 19 patients, 63%) compared to early bladder closure (5 of 14 patients, 36%).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary urethroplasty did not enhance urinary control or reduce the need for enterocystoplasty. Bladder capacity before vesical neck reconstruction did not predict the need for enterocystoplasty or ultimate continence status in individuals. Adequate bladder capacity after vesical neck reconstruction was an important determinant of urinary continence. Approximately half of the patients bladder exstrophy (17 of 33) required augmentation cystoplasty to achieve urinary continence.