Bladder wall abscess following surgical treatment of complicated diverticulitis: A case report

Abstract

Bladder wall abscesses, though rare, pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific presentation. This case presents a 47-year-old male with a history of complicated diverticulitis, who developed a bladder wall abscess following treatment for a colocutaneous fistula. Initial imaging showed bladder wall thickening, and the patient later presented with recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms and a fluid collection at the bladder dome. Despite negative urine cultures, antibiotic therapy, and no evidence of a colovesical fistula, the abscess recurred. The patient underwent cystoscopy and transurethral resection of the abscess. This minimally invasive approach was effective, and the patient had a full recovery with no further recurrence. This case emphasizes the need for timely evaluation and a broad differential diagnosis in patients with a history of diverticulitis and persistent bladder symptoms. It also adds valuable insights to the limited knowledge on managing rare bladder wall abscesses.