Flaps for the repair of bladder exstrophy.

From April 1986 to March 1992, flaps were used in the surgical treatment of 17 patients with congenital bladder exstrophy. Eleven of these patients had had surgery in other hospitals but all failed. Using the flap method for the repair all of them had procured a functional bladder except one who could not have a complete control of urination. The longest follow-up period was 3 years, and the renal and bladder functions were completely normal. The immediate result in 14 patients was good in the control of urination right after the removal of the catheter. The follow-up results were good in 16 cases. The flaps used included 8 types of skin flaps, fasciae and vascular pedicles. Provided with the central vascular supply, the new series of procedures were suitable for the treatment of a variety of exstrophy deformities.