What is a vesical diverticulum and what complications may arise?

• A. A pouch protruding from bladder mucosa due to detrusor weakness; can harbor stones or cause UTIs
• B. A pouch protruding from the kidney
• C. A pouch protruding from the urethra
• D. A diverticulum of the ureter

Answer: (A)

A vesical diverticulum is an outpouching of bladder mucosa that protrudes through a weakness in the detrusor muscle, and it communicates with the bladder lumen. Because urine can stagnate in this pouch, it creates an environment prone to stone formation and infection. Stones form from mineral deposition in the stagnant urine, and bacteria thrive in urine that isn’t emptied efficiently, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections. In larger diverticula, there can also be urine reflux into the ureters and incomplete bladder emptying, which can contribute to hydronephrosis over time. The other described locations refer to diverticula outside the bladder—such as in the kidney, urethra, or ureter—not vesical diverticula, so they don’t fit the scenario.