Retropubic space

Retropubic space is a potential avascular space located between the

Other names for the retropubic space are "Cave of Retzius" or "Retzius' space", named after the Swedish anatomist Anders Retzius (1796-1860).

The space is a useful landmark in different gynecological and urological surgeries.

Structure

The space is located in the pelvic region and is bounded by the following structures:^[1]

• Anteriorly: Symphysis pubis
• Laterally:
  obturator internus muscles
• Posteriorly:
  Urinary bladder
• Floor: Anterior vagina (in women) and proximal urethra

Function

The retropubic space is a

Compartmental pressure

The retropubic space is directly adjacent to the

The retropubic space is a surgical landmark that has surgical significance in several gynecological and urological procedures. Access to the space is achieved by separating the rectus abdominis muscle at the mid line, and bluntly dissecting the tissue in the direction of the symphysis pubis, until reaching the peritoneum.^[1]

Examples of surgeries involving the retropubic space include:

• The sling procedure. Slings are or considered the first line surgical treatment for women with stress incontinence^[5]
• Artificial urinary sphincters are considered first line surgical treatment for certain types of incontinence in men^[5]
• Burch colposuspension is a retropubic procedure used in treatment of urinary incontinence in women^[1]

See also

• Urinary incontinence
• Striae of Retzius
• Urachus
• Rectovesical pouch
• Vesicouterine pouch
• Pouch of Douglas
  )

References