Effects of Routine Catheterization on Urinary Tract Infection Rates After Minor Gynecologic Surgeries

This pilot study describes urinary tract infection (UTI) rates after routine single catheterization during minor gynecologic surgeries at a tertiary care community hospital. Records from 762 patients from 2021 were reviewed, including procedures such as hysteroscopy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, and dilation and curettage. Findings revealed a 42.4% catheterization rate, with a significantly higher proportion of catheterized patients having UTIs (5.6%) compared with noncatheterized patients (2.5%). This study suggests that catheterization, unless medically necessary, should be avoided to reduce nosocomial infection risk. These results advocate for reconsidering current practices to enhance patient care and minimize preventable UTIs.