What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Urinary Bladder Duplication

What is Duplication of Urinary Bladder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Duplication of Urinary Bladder is an extremely rare congenital condition where there is an extra urinary bladder, instead of a normally single bladder. It is of two types:
  • Complete Duplication of Urinary Bladder
  • Incomplete Duplication of Urinary Bladder
• The condition may be also described as coronal duplication or sagittal duplication (depending on the plane of their occurrence). There are also a few variants to Duplication of Urinary Bladder that include:
  • Double bladder
  • Septal bladder
  • Hourglass bladder
• The cause of formation of Duplication of Urinary Bladder is unknown but is believed to arise from certain fetal growth anomalies. The condition may be present concomitant with other congenital defects such as caudal duplication syndrome
• The signs and symptoms of Duplication of Urinary Bladder may include chronic urinary tract infections, urinary obstruction, and abnormal urine flow. There may be potential long-term complications from malformed genitourinary structures
• The management of Duplication of Urinary Bladder may require the concerted effort by a team of healthcare specialists. The treatment may involve multiple surgeries to correct the abnormalities/defects. The prognosis of the condition depends on several factors and may be assessed on an individual case-by-case basis

Who gets Duplication of Urinary Bladder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Duplication of Urinary Bladder is a very rare condition that manifests at birth (infants and young children are affected)
• Less than 100 cases are recorded in the medical literature
• Both males and females are affected, and no gender preference is reported
• The condition is observed worldwide; all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Duplication of Urinary Bladder? (Predisposing Factors)

• Duplication of Urinary Bladder may be associated with other congenital abnormalities that affect the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems such as caudal duplication syndrome
• The abnormality is also seen in the presence of bladder diverticulum

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Duplication of Urinary Bladder? (Etiology)

• The cause of formation of Duplication of Urinary Bladder is generally unknown
• It may be caused by an embryologic defect of unknown origin (abnormal fetal growth and development)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Duplication of Urinary Bladder?

Duplication of Urinary Bladder may present significant signs and symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition. These may include:

• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Obstruction to the free flow of urine
• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) that is characterised by an abnormal urine flow path

How is Duplication of Urinary Bladder Diagnosed?

The following tests and exams may be performed towards establishing a diagnosis of Duplication of Urinary Bladder:

• Complete evaluation of medical history along with thorough physical exam
• Prenatal ultrasound scans may present fetal abnormalities in the abdominal region
• CT or MRI scan of the abdominal region
• Urinalysis or urine tests
• Cystoscopy: Special instruments are used to visually examine and study the insides of the urinary bladder

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Duplication of Urinary Bladder?

The complications of Duplication of Urinary Bladder may include:

• Emotional stress for both the child and parents
• Long-term urinary abnormalities
• Kidney damage or disease due to repeated infections of urethra
• Presence of other associated genitourinary anomalies
• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site

How is Duplication of Urinary Bladder Treated?

• A multidisciplinary team of specialists including pediatricians, urologists, nephrologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals are involved in managing Duplication of Urinary Bladder
• Corrective (multiple) surgeries may be necessary to address Duplication of Urinary Bladder, in order to achieve optimal functional outcomes of the urinary bladder system

How can Duplication of Urinary Bladder be Prevented?

Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Duplication of Urinary Bladder, since it is a congenital condition.

• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of such disorders
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are highly recommended

What is the Prognosis of Duplication of Urinary Bladder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Duplication of Urinary Bladder depends on the type of the condition, its severity and the presence of any complications. Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on an individual case-by-case basis.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Duplication of Urinary Bladder:

Please visit our Kidney & Bladder Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/kidney-health/