Incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection after uterosacral ligament suspension.

Introduction And Hypothesis: We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for developing urinary tract infection (UTI) after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing USLS in 2008-2009 was performed. Postoperative UTI was defined as a positive urine culture within 1 month following surgery. Factors analyzed were patient age, body mass index, parity, history of UTI before surgery, passing voiding trial, discharge with Foley catheter or intermittent self-catheterization, antibiotics at discharge, history of diabetes or renal disease, and surgeon.

Results: Surgical records from 169 patients were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (14%) developed UTI. There were no differences in preoperative factors between patients who developed UTI and those who did not. Subgroup analysis revealed those patients who went home with a Foley catheter and did not receive antibiotics had the highest proportion of UTI.

Conclusion: Patients requiring Foley catheter at discharge following vaginal prolapse repair are at highest risk for UTI and require prophylactic antibiotics.