Related Experiment Videos
Bladder irrigation in patients with indwelling catheters.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Intermittent bladder irrigation using chlorhexidine or silver nitrate effectively reduced bacteria in catheterized patients with urinary tract infections. Chlorhexidine is recommended for its fewer side effects and convenience.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Indwelling urinary catheters are associated with a high risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Managing bacterial counts in patients with existing UTIs and catheters requires effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent bladder irrigation solutions in reducing bacterial counts in urine.
- To compare the effectiveness of saline, acetic acid, chlorhexidine, and silver nitrate solutions.
Main Methods:
- Patients with indwelling catheters and pre-existing UTIs were enrolled.
- Intermittent bladder irrigation was performed using four different solutions: saline, 0.25% acetic acid, 0.02% chlorhexidine, and 0.25% silver nitrate.
- Urinary bacterial counts were monitored before and after irrigation.
Main Results:
- Saline and 0.25% acetic acid irrigation showed no significant effect on bacterial counts.
- Both 0.02% chlorhexidine and 0.25% silver nitrate intermittent irrigation significantly reduced urinary bacterial counts.
- 0.25% silver nitrate achieved the greatest reduction in bacterial load.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent bladder irrigation with 0.02% chlorhexidine or 0.25% silver nitrate is effective in managing bacterial counts in catheterized patients with UTIs.
- Chlorhexidine is a preferable option due to a better side effect profile and ease of use compared to silver nitrate.