Recent Trends in the Management of Bladder Exstrophy: The Gordian Knot Has Not Yet Been Cut

Long-Term Orthopaedic and Radiological Outcomes of Symphysis Approximation without Osteotomy in Primary Bladder Exstrophy Repair

INTRODUCTION

 Previous assumptions suggested that the technique of approximation without osteotomy in primary exstrophy repair (PER) could only be applied in newborns and anticipated poorer outcomes. Recent studies indicated that this technique can be successfully executed not only in immediate PER but also yields favorable long-term results. Therefore, we evaluated and compared the orthopaedic and radiological long-term outcomes after pubic symphysis approximation without osteotomy in immediate and delayed PER.

METHODS

 From March 2018 to December 2020, individuals with PER and approximation of the symphysis without osteotomy were recruited. Patients <12 years and with a history of orthopaedic surgery of the bony pelvis were excluded. Orthopaedic examinations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bony pelvis including the hip joints were performed and pubic diastasis, the acetabulum angle (ACA), and the center-edge angle (CEA) were evaluated.

RESULTS

 Twenty-nine patients were included, 11 of them had an immediate and 18 had a delayed PER. Between the two groups, no significant differences could be observed concerning hip pain (p = 0.419), mobility impairment (p = 0.543), sports impairment (p = 0.543), hip impingement (p = 1.000), leg length discrepancy (p = 0.505), and width of the pubic diastasis as measured by MRI (p = 0.401). There were also no significant differences with regard to CEA right (median 30 degrees, p = 0.976), CEA left (median 31.5 degrees, p = 0.420), ACA right (median 19 degrees, p = 0.382), and ACA left (median 17 degrees, p = 0.880).

CONCLUSION

 There were no significant differences in clinical orthopaedic or radiological long-term outcomes between bladder exstrophy patients after immediate and delayed bladder closure with symphysis approximation without osteotomy. Establishing core outcome sets is essential to get robust and comparable results, further advancing and substantiating our initial insights.

An Analysis of the Efficacy of Multilayered Repair and Reconstruction Using Combined Tissue Pedicle Flaps for Abdominal Wall Defects in Adult Bladder Exstrophy Patients

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of cases involving adult classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) accompanied by the absence of the abdominal wall. Specifically, we focused on the utilization of multilayer flaps for reconstructive purposes. In addition, we aimed to share our clinical treatment experience pertaining to similar challenges, thereby providing valuable insights to complement the surgical management of this rare disease.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 adult patients diagnosed with CBE who underwent initial treatment between June 2013 and January 2020. All patients underwent multilayer reconstruction to address their abdominal wall defects. This involved utilizing shallow flaps derived from the superficial fascia of the abdomen and incorporating myofascial flaps composed of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis and aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. The flap sizes ranged from 9 × 11 cm to 13 × 15 cm.

RESULTS

Abdominal wall reconstruction in the 12 patients with CBE resulted in an absence of wound dehiscence recurrence, urinary obstruction, or urinary tract infection. All patients expressed satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of their abdominal wall based on self-evaluation. They reported a successful resumption of normal life and work activities without experiencing any restrictions. The married patients expressed contentment with their sexual function.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of a multilayered reconstruction technique involving multiple flaps in adults with congenital CBE allows for successful restoration of urinary function, as well as the attainment of sufficient abdominal wall strength to support daily life and work activities, while preserving sexual function. However, it is important to approach the evaluation of surgical outcomes with caution because of the rarity of this condition and the lack of objective assessment measures.

Innervation pattern of the unclosed detrusor muscle in classic bladder exstrophy: a study of patients with urothelial overexpression of nerve growth factor

PURPOSE

An overexpression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the urothelium is discussed to lead to neuronal hyperinnervation of the bladder detrusor. The aim was to assess the sensory and sympathetic innervation of the detrusor in unclosed exstrophic bladders patients with known overexpression of NGF in the urothelium.

METHODS

Full-thickness bladder biopsies were prospectively obtained from 34 infants at delayed primary bladder closure between 01/2015 and 04/2020. The bladder biopsies were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against S100, calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP), Neurofilament 200 (anti-NF200), and tyrosine-hydroxylase (anti-TH). Specimens from 6 children with congenital vesicoureterorenal reflux (VUR) served as controls.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in nerve fiber density in any of the immunohistochemical assessments (anti-S100 [p = 0.210], anti-CGRP [p = 0.897], anti-NF200 [p = 0.897]), and anti-TH [p = 0.956]) between patients with BE and patients with VUR. However, we observed a trend toward lower nerve fiber densities in exstrophic detrusor.

CONCLUSION

Overall our results showed an unharmed innervation pattern in this cohort but a lower density of nerve fibers in the detrusor compared to controls. Further studies in patients after successful primary closure are needed to clarify the potential impact of the urothelial overexpression of NGF modulating the innervation pattern in exstrophic bladders.

Preoperative Bladder Capacity Predicts Social Continence following Bladder Neck Reconstruction in Children Born with Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex

INTRODUCTION

 The aim of the study is to review the continence and volitional voiding rate in a single center cohort of exstrophy-epispadias patients following Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction and to explore factors which predict continence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Children who underwent Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction as a final stage of repair in a large single low-volume center in a small-population country between 1997 and 2019 were included. Demographic and clinical details were extracted from the patients' charts. The primary end point was continence and volitional voiding. Patients were categorized as incontinent, socially continent (daytime dry intervals > 3 hours, wet nights) and fully continent (daytime dry intervals > 3 hours, dry nights).

RESULTS

 The study cohort included 27 patients whose median age at reconstruction was 5 years, and median follow-up was 7.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-11.2). The cohort included 24 classic exstrophy patients (89%, 17 males and 7 females) and 3 isolated complete epispadias patients (11%, 1 male and 2 females). Nine (33%) patients achieved full continence and social continence was achieved by nine (33%) patients, for an overall social continence rate of 67%. Preoperative bladder capacity of 110 mL or more was associated with achieving social continence (odds ratio = 6.4, p = 0.047). The overall volitional voiding rate was 67%.

CONCLUSION

 Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction yielded rates of 33% for full continence and 67% for social continence and volitional voiding. These rates are comparable to those of large high-volume centers. A preoperative capacity of 110 mL or more was the sole predictor of social continence.

Presentations of bladder exstrophy in a resource-limited setting and the role of Mainz II continent diversion for late referrals or failed primary closures: a multicentric report

Primary closure techniques that have been updated and longterm follow-up for CBE (classic bladder exstrophy) may be out of reach for many patients living in resource-limited settings. Late referrals to medical care and primary closures that lack the necessary skills and facilities for comprehensive treatment are still common. Alternative and long-term surgical solutions may improve the lives of these unfortunate patients. During surgical outreach missions, patients with CBE, either non-operated or with a previous unsuccessful bladder closure, who were referred from vast under-resourced rural areas to three Eastern African hospitals, were studied. The following information is provided: mode of presentation, clinical history, diagnostic workout, management, and outcome. There were 25 cases (M/F ratio 17/8) ranging in age from two days to twenty years. Five of the seventeen patients who were not treated (35%) were under 120 days old and eligible for primary closure in a qualified tertiary center when one was available in the country. There were twelve late referred cases (ranging from 120 days to 20 years). Between the ages of ten months and twelve years, eight children arrived following a failed primary closure. In all of them, the bladder plate was too altered to allow closure. Following a preoperative diagnostic workout, a Mainz II continent internal diversion was proposed to fourteen patients with acceptable bowel control and postponed in the other three. Three cases were lost before treatment because parents refused the procedure. Twelve cases ranging in age from three to twenty years (mean seven years) were operated on. Eight people were followed for a total of 53.87 months (range: 36-120). Except for three people who complained of occasional night soiling, day and night continence were good. The average voiding frequency during the day was four and 1.3 at night. There was no evidence of a metabolic imbalance, urinary infection, or significant upper urinary tract dilatation. Two fatalities could not be linked to urinary diversion. Four patients were not followed up on. Due to the limited number of specialist surgical facilities, CBE late referral or failed closure is to be expected in a resource-limited context. In lieu of the primary closure, a continent internal diversion will be proposed and encouraged even at the level of a non-specialist hospital to improve the quality of life of these unfortunate patients. It is recommended that patients be warned about the procedure's potential long-term risks, which will necessitate a limited but regular follow-up.

Complications of delayed and newborn primary closures of classic bladder exstrophy: Is there a difference?

INTRODUCTION

The authors aim to compare single institutional 30-day complication rates between delayed and neonatal closure of classic bladder exstrophy (CBE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An institutional database of 1415 exstrophy-epispadias patients was reviewed retrospectively for CBE patients who underwent primary closures at the authors' institution between 1990 and 2020. Patients were identified as having received either neonatal or delayed (at age >28 days) closures. All 30-day complications were recorded, including wound infection and dehiscence, genitourinary and non-genitourinary infections, bowel obstruction, blood transfusions, and others. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize patient level data. Categorical variables were reported by count and percentages and were compared using Exact Cochran-Armitage trend analysis by decade, or with Fisher's Exact Test and Chi-square test when directly comparing categories and outcomes. Continuous variables were analyzed via Mann Whitney U and one-way ANOVA as appropriate.

RESULTS

The cohort included 145 patients: 50 delayed and 95 neonatal closures. The total complication rate was 58% in delayed closures compared to 48.4% for neonatal closures (p = 0.298), with the majority being Clavien-Dindo grade I or II. Excluding blood transfusion, complication rates fell to 26% and 34.7% in delayed and neonatal closures, respectively (p = 0.349). The most common single complication was unplanned post-operative blood transfusion (38% delayed; 26.3% neonatal; p = 0.34), followed by pyelonephritis (2% delayed; 8.4% neonatal), and urinary fistula (6% delayed; 1.1% neonatal). Grade III Clavien-Dindo complications occurred in 2% delayed and 7.4% neonatal groups (n = 1; n = 7 respectively; p = 0.263). A single delayed patient had grade IV complications compared to three neonatal patients (p = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed primary closure has become a frequently performed alternative in the modern treatment of bladder exstrophy for patients who do not undergo newborn closure because of prohibitive circumstances or surgeon's discretion. The majority of the complications associated with delayed closure are a low Clavien-Dindo grade and easily managed during the postoperative inpatient hospital stay. Families should be counseled about the possibility of minor, conservatively managed complications and likelihood of a blood transfusion with osteotomy.

Mini-open Anterior Pelvic Osteotomy and Spica Casting for Primary Closure of the Pelvis in Infants With Classic Bladder Exstrophy

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of mini-open Salter-like anterior pelvic osteotomy followed by spica casting as an adjunct to urological reconstruction in infants with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE).

METHODS

Twenty-eight infants with CBE were operated upon according to the following protocol: initial bilateral mini-open Salter-like osteotomies followed by urological reconstruction and subsequent spica casting for 3 to 4 weeks. Postoperative clinical and radiologic assessments of wound complications and union were done, respectively. During subsequent follow-ups, the foot progression angle (FPA), the interpubic (IP) distance, interischial (IS) distance, and the IS/IP ratio were measured. The Pearson correlation was used to correlate between age at the time of last follow-up, the FPA, the IP and IS distances, and the IS/IP ratio.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of operation was 5.89±0.89 months. The operative procedure took 10 to 15 minutes (mean of 12.5±1.5 min) for each side and the blood loss was negligible. Tension-free complete approximation of the symphysis was achieved in all cases. No wound complications were reported in any case. The total duration of the cast was 3.07±0.14 weeks. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.78±3.09 years. Strong positive correlation was found between the IP and IS distances ( r =0.833, P <0.0001) as well as the IS distance and age (r=0.455, P =0.015).

CONCLUSION

Mini-open anterior pelvic osteotomy and spica casting may provide a minimally invasive and effective option for closure of the pelvis in infants with CBE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-case series.

Bladder augmentation in exstrophy vesicae: Long-term results of a single experienced center

BACKGROUND

In this study, we present our long-term treatment outcomes of bladder augmentation (BA), bladder neck closure, and Mitrofanoff clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in managing bladder exstrophy (BE).

METHODS

This was a retrospective medical records' review of 33 children diagnosed as born with BE, followed up at a tertiary pediatric urology clinic from 1988 to 2020. Outcomes such as surgical interventions, presence of renal calculi, hydronephrosis, and continence status were extracted.

RESULTS

The median follow-up of the group was 18.2 (4-26) years. Urinary system stones developed in 10 (30.3%) cases about 8.9 years after BA. Stone development was two times more common in patients who underwent colocystoplasty (33.3%) than those who underwent ileocytoplasty (16.6%). The state of continence of the group was satisfactory in 26 (78.7%; excellent in 23; good in 3 cases) and unsatisfactory (wet) in 6 (18.1%) cases. At the last visit, ultrasonography revealed no hydronephrosis in 23 (69.6%) patients, and the voiding cystourethrogram demonstrated low-grade vesicoureteral reflux in 10 (30.3%) and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in 2 (6%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

An elaborated plan of surgical reconstruction for classic BE can lead to satisfactory long-term urinary continence in most patients. Ultimate predictors of outcome in BE repair are difficult to ascertain. Consistently, BA, bladder neck closure, and Mitrofanoff CIC continue to stand out at a critical point in the management of those patients with classic BE. Our study demonstrated that augmentation is required to achieve acceptable dryness with high satisfactory dryness rates in BE.

An evaluation of perioperative surgical procedures and complications in classic bladder exstrophy patients Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P)

INTRODUCTION

Classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) repair report wide variation in success. Given the complexity of CBE care, benefit would be derived from validation of reported outcomes. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) data, this manuscript evaluates surgical complications for bladder closure and advanced urologic reconstruction in CBE patients.

AIM

The primary aim of this study was to determine complication rates in the CBE population for bladder closure and advanced urologic reconstruction in national studies compared to single-institutional studies.

STUDY DESIGN

Pediatric cases and complications were identified in the 2012-2019 NSQIP-P database in CBE patients who had either bladder closure or advanced urologic reconstruction. Bladder closure was further defined as early (<7 days) or delayed (>7 days). Differences were assessed using Fisher's exact test and analysis was conducted using SPSS with significance defined as p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

302 patients were included; 152 patients underwent bladder closure, and 150 patients underwent advanced urologic reconstruction. The 30-day complication rate for bladder closure is 30.3% and for advanced urologic reconstruction is 24.0% in the CBC cohort. No differences were found in the rates of NSQIP complications between early and delayed bladder closure, though significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the rates of blood transfusion (17.9 vs 65.3%). This may be due to the different rates of osteotomy (25.0 vs 48.3%) between early and delayed bladder closure. Rates of readmission are 14.7% and rates of reoperation are 8.0% for advanced urologic reconstruction procedures. Both bladder closure and advanced urologic reconstruction had infectious issues in greater than 10% of the population.

DISCUSSION

CBE surgeries nationally carry a higher risk of complications than is reported in most institutional studies. Infectious complications occur greater than 10% of the time in both bladder closure and advanced urologic reconstruction, which should be the source of additional study given the inverse relationship infections pose to surgical success in BE patients. A limitation of this study is that the data is derived from Children's hospitals that elect to participate and includes only data from 30 days after a procedure.

CONCLUSION

CBE complication data for both bladder closure and advanced urologic reconstruction may be underrepresented in the literature.

A Prevalence Estimation of Exstrophy and Epispadias in Germany From Public Health Insurance Data

Introduction: The prevalence of rare diseases is very important for health care research. According to the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) registers, the live prevalence for exstrophy and/or epispadias (grades 1-3) is reported with 1:23,255 (95% CI: 1:26,316; 1:20,000). A Europe-wide prevalence evaluation based on reports from excellence centers estimates a prevalence for exstrophies of 1:32,200 and for isolated epispadias of 1:96,800 in 2010. However, the frequency of exstrophy [International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems revision 10 (ICD-10): Q64.1] and epispadias (ICD-10: Q64.0) treated in different age groups in Germany remains unclear. Material and Method: Public health insurance data from 71 million people (approximately 87% of the population) were provided by the German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI) in accordance to the German Social Insurance Code for this research purpose. DIMDI analyzed the data source for the ICD diagnoses exstrophy and epispadias between 2009 and 2011. As provided data were robust over the years, averaged data are mentioned. Detailed subgroup analysis of small numbers was forbidden due to privacy protection. Results: Annually, 126 persons of all ages with epispadias and 244 with exstrophy are treated as inpatients. In the observed population, 34 infants (<1 year of age) with epispadias and 19 with exstrophy (58% male) are treated as outpatients each year. This corresponds to an estimated live prevalence of 1:11,000 (95% CI: 1:14,700; 1:8,400) for EEC (exstrophy-epispadias complex), more specifically a prevalence of 1:17,142 for epispadias and of 1:30,675 for exstrophy. The male-to-female ratio for exstrophy is 1.4:1 for infants and 1.6:1 for all minors. In children and adolescents, 349 epispadias and 393 exstrophies (up to the age of 17) are treated annually, whereas adults with exstrophy and even more with epispadias make comparatively less use of medical care. Conclusion: With the help of DIMDI data, the live prevalence of bladder exstrophy and epispadias in Germany could be estimated. The prevalence of epispadias was higher than in previous reports, in which milder epispadias phenotypes (grade 1 or 2) may not have been included. These analyses might enlighten knowledge about nationwide incidence and treatment numbers of rare diseases such as the EEC.

Classic bladder exstrophy and complete rectal prolapse in a 10 year-old child with no previous surgical intervention: what to achieve?

The management of bladder exstrophy (BE) remains one of the most significant challenges encountered by pediatric urologists despite improvements in the operative techniques worldwide. Regardless of surgical technique, timing of primary closure remains a matter of debate. The initial closure may be performed within the first 48–72 hours of life or at ~6–12 weeks of age. Delayed presentation until adolescence is extremely rare. However, due to lack of awareness, and access to healthcare along with poor socioeconomic conditions in developing countries, some patients may not receive treatment during infancy. We present a case of a 10-year-old Syrian male with BE associated with complete rectal prolapse who did not undergo any previous surgical interventions.