Cardosi Richard J, Cardosi Rosemary P, Grendys Edward C, Fiorica James V, Hoffman Mitchel S
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, Gynecologic Oncology Section, and Eglin Air Force Base, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron, FL, USA.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Aug;189(2):380-3; discussion 383-4. doi: 10.1067/s0002-9378(03)00696-3.
This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of catheter-associated infection after radical hysterectomy and to evaluate the role of prophylactic antibiotics in these patients.
A 4-year retrospective review of 102 women undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical or endometrial cancer was performed. Clinical data were abstracted and analyzed with chi(2) and t tests.
Catheter-associated infection was observed in 11% (12 of 102) and was not altered by the administration of prophylactic antibiotics (11.1% vs 11.8%, P=.95). Of the 12 women who had infection, 11 were treated as outpatients, and 1 patient required admission for pyelonephritis. Patient age, comorbid medical conditions, class of radical hysterectomy, perioperative complications, operative time, blood loss, catheter type, duration of catheterization, and length of hospitalization had no effect on the development of catheter-associated infection.
The incidence of catheter-associated infection in women requiring prolonged catheterization after radical hysterectomy is relatively low. Withholding prophylactic antibiotics from these patients is a reasonable clinical option.
