Bladder Exstrophy Care & Support Group

Who we are

The Center for Bladder Exstrophy Care and Support Group at Children’s Hospital Boston cares for children with bladder exstrophy and supports their families.

Bladder exstrophy is a rare, complex birth defect involving the urinary, reproductive and intestinal tracts, as well as the musculoskeletal system. During a baby’s development in the womb, the abdominal wall and underlying organs sometimes do not fuse properly, and the infant is born with the bladder inside-out and exposed on the outside of the body.

There are approximately 400 new cases of bladder exstrophy each year in the United States, and boys are affected approximately twice as often as girls. Bladder exstrophy can sometimes also result in weakened abdominal muscles and a shorter than average urethra and vagina or penis. It can cause a variety of complications and problems, including incontinence, catheterization, reflux, infertility and the need for repeated reconstructive surgery.

If your child has bladder exstrophy, Children’s can provide the latest innovations in treatment – our surgeons and clinical staff are some of the most experienced in the world with this condition -- as well as emotional support for you and your child as you cope with the challenges of this condition. After surgical repair, we closely monitor your child's development, growth, and overall health, particularly bladder and kidney function.