The preoperative preparation of patients about to undergo prostatectomy is understood by urologists in general, and the medical literature is liberal in its exploitation. One may conservatively state that the
present low mortality rate is largely dependent on such preparation. One finds, however, instances in which, after the incision has healed and voiding of urine has been established, the general condition of the patient is below his preoperative standard. If infection did not exist previous to the operation, the bladder becomes infected following operation. In many cases because better drainage has been established by surgery, the urine may become sterile under simple urinary antiseptics, bladder lavages, or by treatment directed to infected foci elsewhere. Again, the bladder infection may persist and defer convalescence.
One of the chief considerations in prostatectomy is to avoid injuring the verumontanum with its ejaculatory ducts, yet little importance had been attached after operation to the