Randomised study of sterile versus non-sterile urethral catheterisation.
Indwelling urethral catheters are the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTI), yet there is no direct evidence that technique of catheter insertion affects this. In a prospective study, 156 patients underwent preoperative urethral catheterisation, randomly allocated to 'sterile' or 'clean/non-sterile' technique groups. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with respect to the incidence of UTI. There was a considerable cost difference between the two groups, the 'sterile' method being over twice as expensive as the 'clean' method. Strict sterility is not necessary in preoperative short-term urethral catheterisation and is more expensive and time consuming.
Carapeti
E A
EA
Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Andrews
S M
SM
Bentley
P G
PG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013242:Sterilization; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*