A series of 42 children (30 boys and 12 girls) underwent surgery for bladder exstrophy between 1972 and 1989. Primary bladder closure was performed in 11 patients and was successful in 6. Four of these children are about 2 years old and so it is not yet possible to assess their continence. Ureterosigmoidostomy was performed in 35 children, one of whom was converted to cutaneous ureterostomy. Follow-up ranges from 2 to 20 years (average 9 years 3 months) and 50% of the patients are symptom-free. The most frequent problems were acidosis and urinary tract dilatation. Other complications, such as hypokalaemia and pyelonephritis, were seldom seen. Although ureterosigmoidostomy has some disadvantages, our patients have adapted well and lead a normal life.