Achieving urinary continence in cloacal exstrophy

Abstract

Cloacal exstrophy is the most significant urological anomaly compatible with life. The development of urinary continence is compromised significantly by the anatomic and neurological deficits that are a part of this complex anomaly. Most children with cloacal exstrophy can eventually be made continent by the use of current reconstructive techniques. This article summarizes some of the challenges and reconstructive methods to permit eventual continence in children with cloacal exstrophy.