Health Library

Epispadias

Congenital defect - epispadias

Epispadias is a rare defect that is present at birth. In this condition, the urethra does not develop into a full tube. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder. The urine exits the body from the wrong place with epispadias.

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Causes

The causes of epispadias are not known. It may occur because the pubic bone does not develop properly.

Epispadias can occur with a rare birth defect called bladder exstrophy. In this birth defect, the bladder is open through the wall of the abdomen. Epispadias can also occur with other birth defects.

The condition occurs more often in boys than girls. It is most often diagnosed at birth or soon afterward.

Symptoms

Males will have a short, wide penis with an abnormal curve. The urethra most often opens on the top or side of the penis instead of the tip. However, the urethra may be open along the whole length of the penis.

Females have an abnormal clitoris and labia. The urethral opening is often between the clitoris and the labia, but it may be in the belly area. They may have trouble controlling urination (urinary incontinence).

Exams and Tests

Signs include:

• Abnormal opening from the bladder neck to the area above the normal urethra opening
• Backward flow of urine into the kidney (reflux nephropathy, hydronephrosis)
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infections
• Widened pubic bone

Tests may include:

• Blood test of kidney function
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a special x-ray of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters
• MRI and CT scans, depending on the condition
• Pelvic x-ray
• Ultrasound of the urinary system and genitals

Treatment

People who have more than a mild case of epispadias will need surgery.

Leakage of urine (incontinence) can often be repaired at the same time. However, a second surgery may be needed either soon after the first surgery, or sometime in the future.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Surgery can help the person control the flow of urine. It will also fix the appearance of the genitals.

Possible Complications

Some people with this condition may continue to have urinary incontinence, even after surgery.

Ureter and kidney damage and infertility may occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you have any questions about the appearance or function of your child's genitals or urinary tract.

References

Chaudhry R, Cannon GM. Urologic disorders. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 15.

Elder JS. Anomalies of the bladder. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 556.

Gearhart JP, Di Carlo HN. Exstrophy-epispadias complex. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 31.

Review Date: 10/15/2023  

Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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