Patients are usually in traction for approximately three weeks following the operative procedure. The goal of this staged reconstruction is to have patients with a normal urinary tract, satisfactory external genitalia, and adequate dry intervals. Some children may require clean intermittent catheterization to adequately empty their bladders. Recently, the Federal Drug Administration released for general use a collagen substance which can now be injected at the neck of the bladder to increase resistance and continence. Urinary control is often further improved at puberty with the growth of the prostate.
Adolescence is sometimes a difficult time for boys.
Some may need further surgery on the external genitalia to correct any further bends that may develop with growth. Both boys and girls may require surgery on the mons pubis to recreate the normal hair distribution. Most males and females with exstrophy of the bladder can and do have a satisfactory sexual life, and can become parents. Some patients may have bladders so small that they cannot be satisfactorily closed. There are a number of options available for these patients to lead a very satisfactory life.