A randomized study on the effect of bladder irrigation with povidone-iodine before removal of an indwelling catheter.

We have evaluated the effect of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) bladder irrigation prior to catheter removal on subsequent bacteriuria. Of 264 patients, 138 received PVP-I irrigation and 126 were controls. Both groups were similar with respect to duration of catheterization and bacteriuria before removal of the catheter. Of 497 cultures taken after catheter removal 99 (20%) were positive. This included 52 of 233 in the control group (22%) and 47 of 264 in the study group (18%). Patients with positive cultures had a significantly longer period of catheterization. Our trial did not demonstrate that PVP-I bladder irrigation before catheter removal reduces subsequent bacteriuria.