Cloacal Exstrophy Closure Without Osteotomy and Immobilization: A Recipe for Failure

Abstract

Background

Cloacal exstrophy (CE) remains one of the most severe birth defects compatible with life with a constellation of anomalies involving the bladder, genitalia, hindgut, and spinal cord. Pelvic osteotomy and immobilization have been utilized to facilitate bladder closure, yet their role as adjuncts remains a topic of debate. The authors sought to evaluate the outcomes of CE closure without the use of osteotomy or lower extremity (LE)/pelvic immobilization.

Methods

An institutional database of 173 CE patients was reviewed for patients closed without osteotomy and/or limb immobilization. Patient records were reviewed for continence procedures, reclosure operations, and continence outcomes.

Results

A total of 59 closure surgeries that met inclusion criteria were identified in 56 unique patients. Thirty-seven closure procedures developed eventual failure (63%) with secondary closure events also resulting in failure. Most closures did not use an osteotomy, 93.2%. LE immobilization-only was used in most closures (43/59), of which only 37% were successful. Failures were attributed to dehiscence (14/37), bladder prolapse (19/37), or both dehiscence and prolapse (4/37). The median age at closure was 3 days old (1–18.5 IQR) with the majority of closure events (47) closure events taking place in the newborn period. Median diastasis prior to primary closure was 6 cm (4.8–8 cm IQR). The median number of closure attempts needed to close the bladder was 2 (1–2 IQR). Of the 56 patients, 31 have >3 h of daytime continence, with the entirety of these patients catheterizing a stoma or below.

Conclusion

These results highlight the critical role of osteotomy and lower limb immobilization in successful closure of the bladder and abdominal wall in CE.

Type of Study

Treatment Study.

Level of Evidence

Level III.