Retropubic Prostatectomy: A Review With Special Reference to Urinary Infection

SUMMARY An assessment of the value of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy in patients undergoing retropubic prostatectomy is presented. A series of 463 patients was studied. The management of the indwelling catheter was similar in all cases. Prophylactic antimicrobial therapy did not appear to be of advantage when the patient's urine was sterile at the time of operation. In the presence of infected urine at operation appropriate prophylactic antimicrobial therapy caused a significant reduction in the incidence of pyelonephritis and septicaemia after operation. Mortality from these causes was also significantly reduced. The giving of appropriate antimicrobial prophylactic therapy did not reduce post–operative morbidity or mortality from any other cause in these infected cases. I am grateful to Mr Arthur Jacobs and to Mr W. Barr Stirling for allowing me access to many of their cases during the course of this investigation. These surgeons also offered much helpful advice and criticism.