Bladder Diverticulum
A bladder diverticulum is a pouch, pocket, or sac that protrudes out of the bladder wall. It can be congenital or acquired. Congenital means that the individual was born with this pouch. Acquired means that the pouch formed from a health condition that has affected the bladder. With acquired diverticula, there can be multiple pouches.
Congenital diverticula are usually diagnosed in childhood or by prenatal ultrasound and often do not require treatment. In most cases, acquired bladder diverticula are due to a block in the bladder outlet from an enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, or neurologic disease. They are often found incidentally on imaging for other conditions.
Bladder Diverticulum Symptoms
Bladder diverticula are often asymptomatic, but there can be urinary related symptoms. Symptoms commonly associated with bladder diverticula include the following:
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
- Recurrent urinary tract infections due to urine stagnating in the pouch
- Blood in the urine
- Bladder stones due to urine stagnation in the bladder
- Urine flowing backwards into the kidneys ("reflux")
- Lower abdominal fullness, pain, and discomfort
- Pain and fever due to inflammation of the diverticulum
- Bladder tumours
Bladder Diverticulum Diagnosis
Many cases of bladder diverticula are diagnosed incidentally while investigating the patient for urinary symptoms with imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, intravenous urogram (IVU). They appear as ill-defined masses in the pelvis that are difficult to diagnose or interpret on imaging tests.
If bladder diverticulum is suspected, more specific tests will be ordered, such as the following:
- Cystogram (x-ray test of the bladder with contrast dye) This is to check for bladder tumours in the diverticulum.
- Cystoscopy (placing a scope into the bladder via the urethra)
- Urodynamic study—a pressure test is conducted to see how well the bladder works, check for blocks in the bladder and urethra, and look for urine leaks.
- Ultrasound is done to see how any blocks affect the kidneys.
A bladder diverticulum is a pouch, pocket, or sac that protrudes out of the bladder wall. It can be congenital or acquired. Congenital means that the individual was born with this pouch. Acquired means that the pouch formed from a health condition that has affected the bladder. With acquired diverticula, there can be multiple pouches.
Congenital diverticula are usually diagnosed in childhood or by prenatal ultrasound and often do not require treatment. In most cases, acquired bladder diverticula are due to a block in the bladder outlet from an enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, or neurologic disease. They are often found incidentally on imaging for other conditions.
Bladder Diverticulum Symptoms
Bladder diverticula are often asymptomatic, but there can be urinary related symptoms. Symptoms commonly associated with bladder diverticula include the following:
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
- Recurrent urinary tract infections due to urine stagnating in the pouch
- Blood in the urine
- Bladder stones due to urine stagnation in the bladder
- Urine flowing backwards into the kidneys ("reflux")
- Lower abdominal fullness, pain, and discomfort
- Pain and fever due to inflammation of the diverticulum
- Bladder tumours
Bladder Diverticulum Diagnosis
Many cases of bladder diverticula are diagnosed incidentally while investigating the patient for urinary symptoms with imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, intravenous urogram (IVU). They appear as ill-defined masses in the pelvis that are difficult to diagnose or interpret on imaging tests.
If bladder diverticulum is suspected, more specific tests will be ordered, such as the following:
- Cystogram (x-ray test of the bladder with contrast dye) This is to check for bladder tumours in the diverticulum.
- Cystoscopy (placing a scope into the bladder via the urethra)
- Urodynamic study—a pressure test is conducted to see how well the bladder works, check for blocks in the bladder and urethra, and look for urine leaks.
- Ultrasound is done to see how any blocks affect the kidneys.
Bladder Diverticulum Treatment Options
Bladder diverticula do not always need to be treated, particularly if they are not associated with urinary infections, bladder stones, or urinary reflux. When associated with bladder tumours, recurrent infections, or urinary retention, bladder diverticula will need treatment.
For patients with diverticula and urinary obstruction, treatment will include relief of the obstruction and possible removal of the diverticulum. This condition can be treated with both open and laparoscopic surgery.
Seek recommendations on suitable treatment options for Bladder Diverticulum with Colin Teo Urology. Contact us to book an appointment today.
