Bladder Exstrophy

It is important to keep your child’s bladder moist and clean. You will do this by covering it with a dressing (bandage).

You can use Tegaderm, a clear adhesive dressing, or plastic cling food wrap like Glad brand “Press’n Seal.”

1. Put the dressing right over the bladder.
2. Make sure the entire bladder is covered.
3. It is OK to extend the dressing over the surrounding skin.
4. Change the dressing if it falls off or if it gets poop (stool) on it.

• Check the skin around your baby’s bladder often for any rash or redness.
• It is OK to use diaper cream on the surrounding skin to treat any rash or redness. Do not put diaper cream on the bladder.

• If it gets soap or poop on it, use a syringe with plain water to clean the bladder or soak your child in a tub.
• Do not rub or scrub the bladder.

• You can bathe your baby normally. It is OK to put your baby in a bath and get their bladder wet.
• Rinse any soap off your baby’s bladder with water.
• After bathing, dry the skin around the bladder and put on a new dressing.

A small amount of bleeding is normal. Make sure to keep the bladder protected to decrease irritation.

Over time, your child’s bladder may look different. It may change color or develop an uneven surface. This is normal.

Two weeks before your child’s surgery, our orthotic clinicians will fit your child with a custom spica (SPY-kah) brace. We will place your child in this special brace after surgery to help their pelvic bones heal.

If you have questions or concerns, please call the nurse in Reconstructive Pelvic Medicine at 206-987-1240. Evenings, weekends, and holidays, call the main hospital operator at 206-987-2000 and ask for the urologist on-call.