Urinary tract infection after vaginal surgery. Effect of prophylactic treatment with methenamine hippurate.

One hundred and nine consecutive patients undergoing surgery for uterovaginal prolapse followed by indwelling urinary catheter for 3 days were randomized for prophylactic treatment with methenamine hippurate (MH) or no MH prophylaxis. Significantly less bacteriuria occurred in the MH-treated patient group. In particular, the opportunistic hospital flora appeared to be suppressed by MH treatment. It is suggested that MH prophylaxis, 1 g three times daily, be used in gynecological surgery followed by short-term urinary catheterization.