A Triplicated Bladder with Diphallia; Rare Variant of Duplicate Exstrophy.

Abstract

Background: Exstrophy variants are well described urologic anomalies. They are characterized by atypical anatomical and physical findings than those found in patients with classic bladder exstrophy and epispadias malformation. The combination of these anomalies with duplicated phallus is a rare occurrence. Here we present a neonate with a rare form of exstrophy variant associated with penile duplication.

Case summary: One day old male neonate who was born at term was admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. He had lower abdominal wall defect and open bladder plate with no visible ureteric orifices. There were two completely separate phalluses with penopubic epispadias and urethral orifices draining urine. Both testes were descended. Abdominopelvic ultrasound showed normal upper urinary tract. He was prepared and operated with intra operative finding of complete bladder duplication in the sagittal plane and each bladder has its own ureter. The open bladder plate which had no connection with both ureters and urethras was excised. The pubic symphysis was approximated without osteotomy and abdominal wall was closed. He was immobilized with mummy wrap. He had uneventful post-operative course and was discharged on the 7th post-operative day. He was evaluated on the 3rd month post operatively and he was thriving well with no complications.

Conclusion: The occurrence of a triplicated bladder along with diphallia is an exceptionally rare urologic anomaly. As a number of variations are possible in this spectrum, the management of neonates with this anomaly should be individualized.