THE 3-LOOP TECHNIQUE - A RELIABLE TECHNIQUE FOR ANTERIOR PUBIC FIXATION IN BLADDER EXSTROPHY

Purpose: In exstrophic anomalies the ultimate urological outcome large ly depends on successful initial closure of the lower urinary tract an d soft tissues. We believe that secure anterior pubic fixation is cruc ial for ensuring successful closure. After being dissatisfied with oth er methods of anterior pubic fixation we introduced the S-loop method. The S-loop technique and our experience with it are described. Materi als and Methods: In 2 years 7 consecutive cases of bladder exstrophy w ere closed using the S-loop technique. Patient age at closure ranged f rom newborn to 9 years. Results: In all 7 patients closure was success ful and there was no cutting through of the wires, bony erosion, or er osion into the reconstructed bladder neck or urethra. The duration of postoperative traction was only 2 weeks. Conclusions: The 3-loop metho d is useful and reliable for secure anterior pubic fixation of the pub es in bladder exstrophy patients and it contributes positively to the ultimate urological outcome.