Modern approaches in primary exstrophy closure

Until the 1970s, bladder exstrophy was a frequently fatal birth defect that, at the very least, conferred a shortened life span with devastating consequences for afflicted patients. Beginning with the modern era of surgical management, survival has become routine, and now the focus is on optimizing a near-normal return to function and cosmesis while limiting the frequency and morbidity of reconstructive procedures. Here we discuss the most frequently used strategies, their principles, and most recent outcomes for the management of exstrophy worldwide. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed in broad terms with the understanding that one universally accepted technique for managing bladder exstrophy has yet to be developed.