OBJECTIVE We performed a long-term retrospective review of patients with bladder exstrophy to evaluate the results of staged surgical reconstruction in regard to urinary continence, spontaneous voiding and preservation of the upper urinary tract. METHODS We reviewed the charts of 42 boys and 15 girls treated at Hôpital St. Joseph for bladder exstrophy between 1965 and 1995. All patients underwent staged repair, including bladder augmentation in 7 (12%) and secondary urinary diversion in 13 (23%). Criteria for good outcome in terms of continence are defined and factors influencing outcomes are reviewed. RESULTS A total of 38 patients (67%) achieved good or acceptable urinary continence (22 or 39% and 16 or 28%, respectively). Outcome was poor in 19 patients, including 13 (23%) who underwent secondary urinary diversion. Bladder stones, which developed in 13 patients (23%), were the most common long-term complication of bladder exstrophy reconstruction. Ten patients who underwent pelvic osteotomies ultimately had better continence and 9 are dry. Bladder neck reconstruction was performed at a later age overall (mean 10 years). Repeat bladder neck reconstruction was generally associated with poor results. The technique of bladder neck reconstruction did not appear to influence outcome. CONCLUSIONS A carefully planned surgical reconstruction for bladder exstrophy can lead to satisfactory long-term urinary continence in most patients. Factors contributing to successful results include early bladder closure, pelvic osteotomy, adequate bladder neck reconstruction with bladder neck suspension in girls, and a motivated child and family. Alternatives to surgical reconstruction should be discussed. Ultimate predictors of outcome in bladder exstrophy repair are difficult to ascertain.