[Complications following surgery for female urinary incontinence]

The two competitive methods available for operative treatment of female stress incontinence are the suspension procedures according to Marshall-Marchetti and according to Burch. With respect to continence, equally favorable results are achieved using both dethods. One way of assessing their value is by measuring the complications involved. A report is presented on osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis in two cases after the Marshall-Marchetti operation and hydronephrosis in one case after the Burch operation. In all three patients, the complications were accompanied by postoperative fever as an early symptom.