Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Catheter-acquired urinary infection is the most common device-associated healthcare-acquired infection. Although most patients are asymptomatic, symptomatic infection may occur and is associated with increased morbidity and costs. Long-term indwelling catheters are associated with more complex microbiology and greater morbidity than short-term catheters. The most effective way to prevent these infections is to restrict indwelling urinary catheter use to limited indications, and to discontinue use of a catheter as soon as feasible. Alternate means of managing bladder emptying , including external condom catheters for men and intermittent catheterization for patients with neurologic impairment of bladder emptying, should be used when possible.