Microbiological Analysis of Urine Cultures in Women after Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

Background/aims: The rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) after pelvic reconstructive surgery ranges from 9 to 48% and the most common uropathogen is (). The aim of the study is to identify the predominant uro-pathogen from urine cultures in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery at a tertiary care center from July 2013 to June 2015. Data was collected from each postoperative visit to evaluate urinary tract symptoms, culture results and treatment in the 3-month postoperative interval.

Results: There were 880 cases reviewed (mean age of 59.6 years) during the study period. The most common organism in positive cultures was after surgery. The total UTI rate was 11.3%. Patients discharged with a Foley catheter had a UTI rate of 65.6% (p = 0.003). Diabetes, neurologic disease, tobacco use, recurrent UTIs and breast or gynecologic cancers had no significant association with UTI after surgery.

Conclusion: The most common organism identified is . Almost 12% of patients will develop a UTI after pelvic reconstructive surgery. The results of this study can influence management of lower urinary tract symptoms in the postoperative period.