Incidence and importance of bacteriuria in postoperative, short-term urinary catheterization

The frequency and importance of bacteriuria in patients requiring short-term postoperative catheterization (24 to 48 hours) is unknown. From a prospective, controlled study of 100 patients requiring catheterization postoperatively, the authors determined that there was a definite risk (6%) of bacteriuria; however, a symptomatic urinary tract infection developed in only 1% of the patients. There was no advantage to using either a latex or silicone catheter. It appears that the risk of symptomatic bacteriuria in this group of patients is very low when a closed urinary drainage system is used under strict, sterile conditions of catheter insertion and with meticulous ongoing catheter care.