Prevention And Treatment Of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

14 May, 2009 No Comment

What are the surgical treatments for UTI?

Surgerical treatment is usually not required for catheter associated urinary tract infections. However, care must be taken to change catheters left in the body for long periods of time (whether foley or suprapubic tube) once every month. Appropriate sterilization techniques are mandatory in the treatment of UTI.

What diet is prescribed in the treatment for UTI?

Patients suffering from UTI are advised to increase their fluid intake to approximately 3,000 cc of fluid per day, unless there is a medical condition barring this increase. This increase in fluid intake will facilitate frequent urination, resulting in the elimination of the infectious bacteria from the bladder. Fluids such as cranberry juice which are rich in vitamin C are prescribed for to prevent UTI infections. However, patient should avoid fluids which cause irritation in the bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, and caffeine.

What are the prognosis and complications associated with UTI infections?

Patients suffering from catheter associated urinary tract infections generally develop cystitis, which is difficult to treat. Some of the complications associated with UTI are:

• Chronic or recurring urinary tract infections
• Complicated UTI
• Pyelonephritis

How can UTI be prevented?

Urinary catheters must be administered in a sterilized manner. Insertion of a non-sterile catheter may lead to a urinary tract infection. The usual care of catheters predominantly consists of sanitizing the urethral area and the catheter on a daily basis. The urethral area must be carefully sanitized in order to avoid infection. However, cleansings with antimicrobial ointments are not recommended as they do not reduce catheter associated urinary tract infections.

The drainage bag should be placed lower than the bladder in order to stop the backflow of urine into the bladder. The drainage device must also be emptied frequently, either every eight hours or every time the drainage device is completely filled. Outlet valves must also be kept clean to prevent infections. It is mandatory that the person responsible for handling the drainage device regularly clean their hands.

A lower dose of antibiotics is given to the patient on a daily basis to limit bacterial growth.