Cloacal exstrophy
Cloacal exstrophy Definition
Cloacal exstrophy is a rare although severe birth defect where most of the abdominal organs, including the bladder and intestines, are exposed. The condition is named so, because the cloaca refers to the area in the embryo which eventually forms into the lower abdominal wall structures. When a child is born with cloacal exstrophy, a part of the large intestines is located outside of the body, and on one side lies the bladder in halves. In males, it occurs that the penis is short and flat, and sometimes cut in half; while with females, the clitoris is also cut in half. The condition may also result in two vaginal openings.
Cloacal exstrophy Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cloacal exstrophy can be done even prior to birth. Fetal ultrasound of the baby can determine the condition, but other procedures will be done when the infant is born. These other procedures include a computerized tomography scan, also known as a CT scan; magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, an abdominal ultrasound, and an endoscopy.
Cloacal exstrophy Treatment
Surgery can treat patients who have cloacal exstrophy. The surgery will depend on the type of condition the child has, but the surgeries are usually several and last over a span of a few years. This type of surgery is called staged reconstruction. The earliest type of surgery that will be performed is just 24-48 hours after labor.