Incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection after uterosacral ligament suspension.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for developing urinary tract infection (UTI) after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing USLS in 2008-2009 was performed. Postoperative UTI was defined as a positive urine culture within 1 month following surgery. Factors analyzed were patient age, body mass index, parity, history of UTI before surgery, passing voiding trial, discharge with Foley catheter or intermittent self-catheterization, antibiotics at discharge, history of diabetes or renal disease, and surgeon.

RESULTS

Surgical records from 169 patients were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (14%) developed UTI. There were no differences in preoperative factors between patients who developed UTI and those who did not. Subgroup analysis revealed those patients who went home with a Foley catheter and did not receive antibiotics had the highest proportion of UTI.

CONCLUSION

Patients requiring Foley catheter at discharge following vaginal prolapse repair are at highest risk for UTI and require prophylactic antibiotics.