Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
Iatrogenic Bladder Diverticulum 11 Years After Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation for Apical Prolapse
Laura Faye Gephart1, Anthony Lewis, Emily Wu
1From the *Departments of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, †Obstetrics and Gynecology, and ‡Urology, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX.
Introduction:
In this case, we describe a bladder diverticulum due to apical vaginal suspension to the sacrospinous ligament presenting 11 years after surgery. This case report explores her signs and symptoms, diagnostic work-up, surgical intervention, and postoperative course.
Case Description:
A 71-year-old G2P2 presented with symptoms of urinary urgency. Work-up including cystoscopy and retrograde fistulogram revealed a bladder diverticulum extending to the level of the sacrospinous ligament. Her surgical history was significant for a sacrospinous ligament fixation 11 years before her symptoms. The iatrogenic bladder diverticulum was removed via robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision. Her postoperative course was benign beyond a urinary tract infection. Her urgency symptoms resolved after treatment.
Conclusions:
Iatrogenic injuries can present distant from initial surgery. Permanent foreign material, including suture, may increase the risk of complications. A high level of suspicion is necessary to diagnose complications given the subtle presentation.
