Bacteriuria following Foley catheterization after gynecological and obstetrical surgery

The use of indwelling urethral catheterization to drain bladder after gynecological and obstetrical surgery is customary. It provides rest to the bladder and avoids urinary retention in the post operative period. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections accounting for up to 40% of all hospital acquired infections. Eighty percent of these are associated with the use of urinary catheters. Risk of infection is about 3-10% for each day of catheterization. Infection occurs when bacteria reach the bladder by one of the two routes. They gain access intraluminally by entering the catheter system at the cathetercollecting tube junction. Patients’ own bowel flora may colonize the periurethral area and reach bladder via the external surface of the catheter, especially in females due to anatomical proximity. Experts have suggested the following criteria for diagnosing bacteriuria from catheterized patients: 102 CFU/ml or greater from patients undergoing intermittent catheterization and any detectable growth from those with an indwelling catheter. When these are associated with pyuria and clinical symptoms it represents UTI. Bacteriuria following Foley catheterization after gynecological and obstetrical surgery