Urinary tract infection due to catheterization

Improper catheter hygiene, touching the catheter with unclean hands... all allow bacteria to enter the urinary tract and cause infection.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin to multiply. Many patients have a catheter placed in their bladder to drain urine during and/or after surgery. The presence of a catheter increases the risk of a urinary tract infection, known as a “catheter-associated urinary tract infection” (CAUTI).

Catheter placement is performed using sterile techniques, the skin is cleaned, gloves and catheters are sterile, but bacteria can still enter the urinary tract in some cases such as: touching the catheter when hands have not been properly washed; the catheter placement site is not cleaned... In addition, poor hygiene, whether catheter placement or not, can also significantly increase the risk of infection.

When bathing, the part of the tube closest to the body should be gently cleaned and rinsed along with the genital area. When using toilet tissue, wipe from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria. The catheter may be removed immediately after surgery or left in place for a day or longer, depending on the type of surgery and the speed of recovery.

[Caption]. Photo: Freepik — Post-surgical urinary tract infections are a common occurrence due to catheter placement, especially in women. Photo: *Freepik*

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection caused by a catheter include: burning when urinating; urgency to urinate; blood in the urine; pressure in the lower back and/or abdomen; fever. To diagnose a urinary tract infection, your doctor will need to test your urine.

The condition is usually treated with two types of medications. First, an antibiotic is prescribed to treat the infection and eliminate bacteria in the urinary tract. Second, a medication is prescribed to help relieve the pain and irritation caused by the UTI while the antibiotic is taking effect. Some medications that help relieve UTI symptoms can change the color of urine and interfere with urinalysis, so you should never take them before giving a urine sample.

Several other factors play a role in postoperative urinary tract infections, including: patient age (older adults are more likely to develop this complication); gender (women are more likely to develop infections than men); type of surgical procedure; diabetes.

Additionally, immobility after surgery can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Surgery on any part of the urinary tract, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

As You Wish (According to Very Well Health)

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