Diverticulum of the female urethra: postoperative complications and results

This study reports the results and complications of operation for 85 patients with diverticulum of the urethra. The technique for surgical excision and the factors necessary for successful repair are described. The follow-up period was from 2 to 15 years. Seventy patients (82%) experienced immediate and complete relief. A clinically significant postoperative complication--urethrovaginal fistula--occurred in one patient; clinical evidence of urethral stricture was not encountered. Delayed complications eventually occurred in 14 patients: recurrent urinary tract infection (2), urethral pain syndrome (2), urinary incontinence (2), and recurrent diverticulum (8). Many of these were continuations or recurrences of the chronic infectious entity rather than complications related to urethral diverticulectomy.