Exstrophy of the bladder

A rare birth defect in which the bladder is turned inside out and is open to the outside of the body through a space in the lower abdominal wall. Usually, there are also other defects, such as epispadias in males and failure of the pubic bones to join at the front. Surgical treatment involves reconstructing the bladder and closing the abdominal wall. If the bladder is very small, it is removed and the urine diverted (see urinary diversion).