title: Prospective randomized controlled trial of urethral versus suprapubic catheterization.
abstract: Sixty-six patients requiring catheterization in the course of general surgical operations were randomly allocated into two groups. Of the 34 patients catheterized urethrally 16 developed urinary tract infections whereas of the 32 suprapubically catheterized patients only 2 developed an infection (P less than 0.001). Five patients required recatheterization after removal of their urethral catheters. There were no major complications associated with the use of suprapubic catheters. We propose that, when catheterization is required during a general surgical procedure, the suprapubic route is to be preferred.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Sethia
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Selkon
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Kettlewell
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Gough
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology