EXSTROPHY OF THE CLOACA

Abstract
Three newborn premature infants were seen with an unusual and extensive congenital abnormality involving bowel, urogenital tract, bony pelvis and anterior abdominal wall. The term exstrophy of the cloaca is suggested as a simple term for a complex situation. The embryologic development of this anomaly is discussed. Any satisfactory explanation must explain interposition of cecum between a bipartate bladder. It is possible that current theories regarding the development of the cloaca must be revised in the light of these observations. A plan for the surgical correction of this anomaly is presented.

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