Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
05:32

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection

Published on: September 21, 2015

The use of intermittent chlorhexidine bladder irrigation in the prevention of post-prostatectomy infective

A A Adesanya1, D N Osegbe, E O Amaku

  • 1Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

International Urology and Nephrology
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Peri-operative intermittent bladder irrigation with chlorhexidine gluconate effectively reduced post-prostatectomy infections and complications. This intervention also shortened hospital stays and urinary catheter duration without causing bladder injury.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Infectious Disease Prevention
  • Surgical Site Infection Control

Background:

  • Post-prostatectomy infective complications pose significant risks to patient recovery.
  • Men undergoing prostatectomy often require pre-operative indwelling urinary catheters, increasing infection susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of peri-operative intermittent bladder irrigation using 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate in preventing post-prostatectomy infective complications.
  • To assess the safety of chlorhexidine bladder irrigation on bladder mucosa.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 32 patients undergoing transvesical prostatectomy.
  • Patients were allocated to either chlorhexidine irrigation or saline irrigation groups.
  • Urine sterility, intra-operative bacteraemia, wound infection, septicaemia, catheter duration, and hospital stay were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Chlorhexidine irrigation significantly reduced intra-operative bacteraemia (P < 0.05) and severe wound infections.
  • No cases of septicaemia were observed in the chlorhexidine group.
  • Post-operative urinary catheter requirements and hospital stay were shorter in the chlorhexidine group.
  • Histology confirmed no bladder mucosal injury from intermittent chlorhexidine irrigation.

Conclusions:

  • Peri-operative intermittent bladder irrigation with 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate is effective in reducing infective complications following prostatectomy.
  • The intervention is safe for the bladder mucosa and offers benefits in terms of reduced hospital stay and catheter duration.

More Related Videos

Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice10:23

Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice

Published on: December 1, 2017

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection07:57

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Published on: June 24, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway01:29

Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure01:26

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living donor...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...