Antimicrobial bladder irrigation

Q: Urinary bladder irrigation is a common procedure used in ICUs. Antimicrobial irrigation has been proposed. Evidence based literature shows that antimicrobial irrigation of the bladder (select one)

A) prevent the urinary tract infections
B) Delay the urinary tract infections
C) Increases the risk for urinary tract infections
D) No effect on urinary tract infections


Answer: C

Antimicrobial irrigation of the bladder does not prevent or delay the urinary tract infections (UTIs), rather studies have shown that it may increase the risk for UTIs. Also, it may subject patients to develop more resistance to the organisms. Irrigation with sterile saline is perfectly acceptable.


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#infectiousdiseases
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#surgicalcriticalcare


Reference:

1. Warren JW, Platt R, Thomas RJ, et al. Antibiotic irrigation and catheter-associated urinary-tract infections. N Engl J Med 1978; 299:570.