The retropubic space is directly adjacent to the abdominal cavity and is hence affected with change in intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn affects the physiology of urination and continence.

[3] The pressure is strongly related to body mass index and a history of previous surgical procedures.

This highly elevated pressure in obese and pregnant patients is sometimes referred to as chronic intra-abdominal hypertension.

[4] This pressure is relayed to the adjacent retropubic compartment and can affect the structures within.

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.