Title: Bladder Exstrophy | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Headings: Bladder Exstrophy
Bladder Exstrophy
What is bladder exstrophy?
Watch: A Team Approach to Care
Signs and symptoms of bladder exstrophy
Bladder exstrophy diagnosis and evaluation
Prenatal evaluation at CHOP
Prenatal care and delivery of babies with bladder exstrophy
Treatment for bladder exstrophy
Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy
Collaborating to Advance Care
Long-term outlook
Follow-up care for bladder exstrophy
As Your Child Grows
Research

Content: Bladder exstrophy can be an overwhelming diagnosis for parents, but our team is here to support you from before birth through delivery and beyond. Prenatal evaluation at CHOP
If doctors believe your unborn baby has bladder exstrophy, we will schedule you for a comprehensive prenatal evaluation at the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. Before your baby is born, you’ll also meet with the exstrophy team in the Division of Urology. During your prenatal evaluation, you will undergo a variety of diagnostic tests which may include: Targeted, high-resolution fetal ultrasound
Fetal echocardiogram (specialized ultrasound that evaluates the structure and function of the fetal heart)
Ultrafast fetal MRI
Consultation with an obstetric specialist and a pediatric urologist
The team will meet with you to review all studies and make a plan tailored to your unique needs. We will provide extensive information about your baby’s condition and answer your questions about the diagnosis, prenatal care and delivery, what to expect before and after surgery, and plans for long-term follow-up care. Prenatal care and delivery of babies with bladder exstrophy
A prenatal diagnosis of bladder exstrophy does not typically change prenatal care, routine delivery planning, timing or mode of delivery. Our experienced prenatal care team will provide you with guidance throughout your pregnancy and as you plan for delivery. During your prenatal visit, delivery options will be discussed. Depending on a variety of factors, your baby may be delivered at a community hospital close to home, or we may recommend delivery at CHOP.