Systems for maintenance of urinary sterility after prostatectomy.

Closed drainage is recommended for all patients after prostatectomy where hemostasis has been adequate. Although closed drainage can maintain sterility of the bladder, thereby fostering healing and reducing infectious complications, such drainage is not insisted upon at most hospitals because of the inconveniences associated with it. However, when closed drainage was used in 25 consecutive cases of transurethral resection, infection was reduced to 25 per cent (in contrast to the 85 to 100 per cent encountered with open drainage). The ideal closed system should incorporate:1. Fixed tubing to prevent contamination where the catheter joins the tubing and where the tubing is attached to the container;2. An aseptic method of emptying;3. A device to prevent reflux of the potentially contaminated urine in the container into the bladder;4. Free urinary flow from bladder to container; and5. Portability for the patient and convenience for the staff.A system is proposed that incorporates these features. Particularly effective are a fixed drip chamber with vents at the site of attachment of the tubing to the bag and a protected spigot for emptying.