Post‐operative Osteitis Pubis: Causes and Treatment

SUMMARY Post‐operative osteitis pubis is now well known. Two points, however, remain under discussion–its cause and treatment. In most cases–perhaps in all–the cause appears to be due to the presence of a septic focus in contact with the symphysis, usually behind it but sometimes in front of it. It is possible to reduce its frequency by increasing the duration of post‐operative drainage, and by avoiding too early closure of the superficial planes. The complication may be rapidly cured by reopening the space of Retzius, resecting infected tissue, and by drainage. The failures which have been observed appear to be due to the fact that a residual septic focus was not found or that intervention had been delayed too long. The frequency of osteitis pubis after retropubic prostatectomy is not great (1–5 per cent. in 1,000 cases), and its importance is slight if further intervention is carried out promptly. It must not be considered a contraindication to that excellent operation.