Do Patients With Classic Bladder Exstrophy Have Fecal Incontinence? A Web-based Study

Objectives To explore the occurrence of fecal incontinence in patients with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) by administering a web-based pilot study. Methods A questionnaire assessing fecal continence status was devised. Questions included demographics, age to achieve toilet training for bowels, and the patient perception of the degree of fecal soiling during day and night, if present. The CBE contact list of our institution's social worker was addressed (324 patients) and directed to fill the survey posted at the website http://www.SurveyMonkey.com. Results There were 94 responders (29%) to the survey. They were analyzed as 2 groups: pediatric (age up to 18 years, n = 69, 9 excluded for not achieving toilet training) and adult (age >18 years, n = 25). In the pediatric group, fecal incontinence was reported in 57% of patients during the day and 32% during night. In the adult group, fecal incontinence was reported in 44% of patients during the day and 40% during night. Seven patients reported having undergone ureterosigmoidostomy (US) diversion. Stratifying patients based on US diversion showed fecal incontinence of 100% vs 22% during the day ( P