ABSTRACT
At birth, the umbilical cord should be ligated close to the abdominal wall and the umbilical clamp removed to prevent mechanical damage to the bladder mucosa and excoriation of the bladder surface.4,16,17 Trauma and damage to the exposed bladder mucosa and plate should be avoided by covering the defect with clingfilm wrapped around the baby to prevent the mucosa from sticking to clothing or diapers. This will allow urine to escape while establishing a barrier between the environment and the fragile bladder mucosa. Old urine, mucus and any detritus should be washed from the surface of the bladder with sterile saline warmed to body temperature at each diaper change and a clean layer of clingfilm applied, also during transfer.16,17 Prophylactic antibiotics should be started immediately.
