The bladder is one of the important parts of the urinary system. It is mainly responsible for storing urine from the kidneys before being expelled out from the body through the urethra.
At times, the bladder may develop abnormal pouches that bulge out of the outer covering of the organ. This condition is usually congenital (birth defect) and is mainly caused in the weakened areas of the bladder wall where the inner lining of the bladder is forced out. This condition can be seen in multiple locations on the bladder at the same time. It is mostly seen in the upper part of the urinary system.
The main causes for bladder diverticulum are seen to be bladder obstruction or BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia).
What are the symptoms of bladder divericulum?
Normally, bladder diverticulum may not show any symptoms, however in cases, where the symptoms are noticeable the condition is seen developing in the ureter, connecting the kidney and the bladder.
In cases where the diverticulum is significantly large in size and causes stagnation of urine (not emptying completely) then there is a risk of developing infection. In case an obstruction is causing the diverticulum then the treatment focuses on treating the obstruction first.
How is bladder diverticulum diagnosed?
Bladder diverticulum is not usually detected until it starts other complications. Normally, it is found during a routine physical examination if the doctor is searching for the cause of recurring UTI (urinary tract infection).
In such cases, the doctor will use x-ray imaging or cystoscopic minimally invasive surgical technique to determine the nature of the diverticulum.
How is bladder diverticulum treated?
In case of symptomatic bladder diverticulum, the doctor will recommend surgical removal which is performed using various methods, according to the individual condition.
What can be expected after treatment for bladder diverticulum?
The surgical treatment for bladder diverticulum shows effective long-term results. There might be a catheter attached to the bladder for draining urine efficiently. This will usually be removed within 1 to 2 weeks as the bladder is healed naturally.