Pseudodiverticulum: A rare late complication of the Boari flap procedure for lower ureteric repair

The Boari bladder flap is a vital tool in the armamentarium of the urologist. It is used to maintain continuity of the urinary system when dealing with diseased segments of the mid and lower ureter. It is, however, associated with long-term complications. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman who developed a rare pseudodiverticulum as a consequence of the procedure. This patient had undergone a right-sided laparoscopic Boari bladder flap for a right distal ureteric stricture secondary to pelvic endometriosis, and presented 10 years later at our urology department with long-standing irritative voiding symptoms and a feeling of incomplete voiding. Radiological and endoscopic investigation revealed the presence of a capacious pseudodiverticulum which was seen on ultrasound to retain a significant amount of urine post micturition and then to empty back into her bladder, strongly suggesting that this was the cause of her sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. She had minimal symptom bother and no recurrent urinary tract infections, calculi or tumour, and it was decided that no further operative management was necessary and that her condition could be managed her conservatively. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second case describing this rare, long-term complication of a Boari flap.

Level of evidence: Level 5.