Bladder extrophy is a congenital anomaly that affects the urinary system. The term is spelled with two t's, and the phonetic transcription is /ˈblædər ɛkˈstrɒfi/. The "b" is pronounced like the "b" in "balloon," and the "a" sounds like the "a" in "apple." The "d" is pronounced similar to the "d" in "day," and the "e" is like the "e" in "egg." The "t" is pronounced twice, and the "r" is trilled. The "o" sounds like the "a" in "father," and the "f" is like the "f" in "fish." The "y" sounds like the "e" in "money."
Bladder exstrophy refers to a congenital condition characterized by the malformation of the urinary bladder and surrounding structures. Specifically, it is marked by the incomplete closure of the abdominal and pelvic walls during fetal development, causing the bladder to be exposed and visible on the outside of the body. This rare birth defect occurs due to an abnormality in the development of the mesodermal tissue.
Individuals with bladder exstrophy typically exhibit a protruding, red-colored bladder surface, often appearing oozing or moist. In addition to the abnormal placement of the bladder, individuals may also exhibit other associated anomalies, including the formation of an umbilical hernia, separation of the pubic bones, and abnormalities in the genitals and anus.
The management of bladder exstrophy involves a multi-disciplinary approach, requiring the expertise of urologists, pediatric surgeons, and other medical professionals. The primary goal is to achieve surgical repair, aiming to reconstruct the bladder and the closure of the abdominal and pelvic wall defects. The surgical intervention generally occurs during early infancy, and subsequent interventions may be needed during childhood and adolescence to address complications or refine the initial repair.
Long-term outcomes for individuals with bladder exstrophy can vary, with some experiencing significant urinary and sexual dysfunction, while others achieve satisfactory bladder function and quality of life. Ongoing medical monitoring and follow-up care are often necessary to address potential complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder dysfunction, and psychological implications associated with the condition.
The word "bladder extrophy" comes from two separate terms: "bladder" and "extropy".
1. Bladder: The term "bladder" originated from the Middle English word "bladre" and the Old English word "blædre", which both meant "the organ that collects and stores urine". These words have Germanic roots and are related to the Old Norse word "blathra" and the Dutch word "blàar". They are also associated with the Proto-Germanic word "blēstrą".
2. Extrophy: The term "extrophy" is derived from the Greek words "ἔκστρωφος" (ekstrophos), meaning "turning outward", and "ἐκτρέπω" (ektrepo), meaning "turn inside out".