Most bladder exstrophy repairs are done when your child is only a few days old, before they leave the hospital. In this case, the hospital staff will prepare your child for the surgery.

If the surgery was not done when your child was a newborn, your child’s doctor may ask for the following when it is time to do the surgery:

• Urine test (urine culture and urine analysis) to check your child’s urine for infection and kidney function
• Blood tests (complete blood count, electrolytes, and kidney tests)
• Record of urine output
• X-ray of your child’s lower stomach and bones
• Renal ultrasound to check your child’s kidneys

Always tell your child’s doctor or nurse:

• What drugs your child is taking
• Even drugs or herbs you bought without a prescription

During the days before the surgery:

• Ten days before the surgery, your child may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for the blood to clot.
• Ask your doctor which drugs your child should still take on the day of the surgery.

On the day of the surgery:

• Your child will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for several hours before the surgery.
• Give the drugs your child’s doctor told you to give with a small sip of water.
• Your child’s doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive.