Cloacal exstrophy

What is cloacal exstrophy?

Cloacal exstrophy is a birth defect that affects the digestive, urinary and reproductive organs. An infant with cloacal exstrophy may be born with all or part of an organ located on the outside of the body. Many babies born with cloacal exstrophy also have spinal defects, such as spina bifida.

What are the different types of cloacal exstrophy?

Common types of pediatric cloacal exstrophy include:

• Exposed bladder - This happens when the bladder is divided by the large intestine, and both are exposed. When this happens, urine and feces may mix.
• Imperforate anus - This happens when the anus is not fully formed. In some cases, the lower large intestine may be exposed.
• Omphalocele - This happens when some of the intestines protrude through an opening near the umbilical cord (at the belly button).

What are the signs and symptoms of cloacal exstrophy?

• Absence of the lower portion of the bladder
• Absence of anal opening
• Backup of urine, which can cause swelling in the organs
• Bedwetting
• Bowel leakage (feces leaks from the anus)
• Incontinence (unable to control the bladder)
• Intestinal malrotation
• Lumps where the intestines stick out