Practical approach to the review of bladder diverticulum and its management

Bladder diverticulum refers to an outpouching of the bladder wall. This condition can involve only the bladder mucosa or extend to include the entire lining of the bladder wall, including the muscles. Bladder diverticula can be congenital or acquired, affecting individuals of any sex or age. Congenital cases are more commonly seen in younger patients, while acquired cases typically affect adults. Patients may experience significant distress due to pain associated with recurrent infections or urinary tract symptoms. Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Over the years, management of bladder diverticula has evolved from non-surgical treatments to various surgical options, including open surgery and contemporary techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgical excision and endoscopic care. In longstanding cases or large diverticula, an open surgical approach may be particularly effective. It is crucial to address any underlying pathology in patients with acquired diverticula to prevent recurrence. This paper aims to review the literature on bladder diverticulum and its management, taking a practically-oriented approach that includes investigative and operative images for clarity and ease of understanding.