Antimicrobial prophylaxis in urologic surgery.

Nosocomial urinary tract infections represent approximately 40 per cent of all nosocomial infections, thereby contributing considerably to secondary bacteremia and sepsis and possibly increased mortality. Urethral catheterization is the single most important predisposing factor in the development of urinary tract infection. Patients at increased risk of nosocomial infectious complications are the elderly, malnourished and debilitated, those with diabetes or prosthetic devices, and those on immunosuppressive therapy. About 75 per cent of nosocomial urinary tract infections are attributable to gram-negative bacteria, a disproportionate number of which when compared with community-acquired infections are caused by Proteus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. There is enough evidence in the literature to support the use of prophylaxis in urologic surgery. Antimicrobial prophylaxis reduces the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infection. It does not seem to reduce the incidence of transient perioperative bacteremia but probably prevents the development of sepsis, thereby reducing the number of serious infective complications, the average hospital stay, and the associated total cost of treatment. To achieve adequate urine, blood, and tissue levels of the antimicrobial agent at the time of surgery, the drug should be given preoperatively. A short perioperative course represents sufficient prophylaxis. Regimens with combinations of beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics or single use of an extended spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic are acceptable for this purpose.