Female urethral diverticulectomy
Excision or controlled treatment of a female urethral diverticulum with layered reconstruction of the urethrovaginal tissues.
Interactive 3D Interactive operative model Open the 3D animation Teaching catalogue only. This coverage record is not a patient pathway or operative instruction.
Typical place in practice
Symptomatic diverticulum, recurrent infection, stones, concern about a mass, or other complications after anatomical definition.
Alternatives and neighbouring procedures
Observation for selected minimally symptomatic disease or tailored drainage/marsupialisation in unusual distal configurations.
Same procedure family, explicit technique branches
These are variations of this canonical operation. Complication modules below identify whether they apply to all branches or only to named approaches.
Transvaginal diverticulectomy
Excises the sac and closes the urethral communication with interposed tissue layers.
Marsupialisation
Creates dependent drainage for a carefully selected distal diverticulum.
Diverticulectomy with interposition flap
Adds an interposition layer when tissue quality or fistula risk is concerning.
High-level sequence
Coverage outline only; not a step-by-step technical guide.
- Map the sac, ostium and sphincter relationship
- Expose through the vaginal wall
- Dissect the diverticulum while preserving viable urethra
- Close the urethra and reconstruct in offset layers
- Drain and assess healing, continence and recurrence
Every failure mode is its own module.
Timing and variation coverage are recorded for each module.
Urethral injury or tissue loss
A complex or circumferential sac may be inseparable from the urethra and leave a larger defect than anticipated.
Applies to: All variantsUrethrovaginal fistula
Breakdown of overlapping tissue layers can create persistent vaginal urinary leakage.
Applies to: All variantsRecurrent diverticulum
Residual sac, a missed ostium or continuing gland obstruction can lead to recurrence.
Applies to: All variantsNew stress urinary incontinence
Dissection or loss of support near the sphincter may unmask or cause leakage.
Applies to: All variantsInfection or wound breakdown
Contamination by urine or infected diverticular contents can compromise the vaginal repair.
Applies to: All variantsUrethral stenosis
A narrowed reconstructed lumen can cause obstructive voiding symptoms.
Applies to: All variantsSources for this module
Female continence, bulking, sling, colposuspension and related procedures.
Accessed 2026-08-03 · opens source British Association of Urological Surgeons Patient information leaflets by procedureUK patient-facing procedure, alternatives, recovery and complication framing.
Accessed 2026-08-03 · opens source