Paravesical Fossa

fossa paravesicalis

The paravesical fossae are peritoneal depressions on each side of the urinary bladder, bounded medially by the lateral bladder wall and laterally by the obturator fascia. They communicate anteriorly with the space of Retzius and are the surgical route for obturator lymph node dissection and cystectomy.

Region: Abdomen

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The paravesical fossa is developed during radical cystectomy and radical prostatectomy to expose the lateral bladder pedicle and vesical arteries. It is the anatomical space for paravesical lymphocele formation after pelvic lymphadenectomy. Obturator nerve injury in the paravesical fossa during lymph node dissection is the most common neurological complication of pelvic node dissection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Lymphocele in Paravesical Fossa

Lymphatic fluid accumulation in the paravesical space after pelvic lymphadenectomy producing pelvic discomfort and occasionally ureteric or venous compression, managed by aspiration or peritoneal fenestration.