Aim: To evaluate the incidence of bacteriuria after outpatient diagnostic flexible cystoscopy utilising sterile catheter urine collection technique in women.
Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study on 78 women who had outpatient flexible cystoscopy for various indications between March and December 2011. Urine for culture was collected by transurethral catheterisation three to five days before cystoscopy, and a second urine sample was collected five to seven days after the procedure. Antibiotic prophylaxis was not administered. Significant bacteriuria was defined as 10(2) cfu/mL or more of a single organism cultured.
Results: Five (6.4%) had significant bacteriuria and were asymptomatic. The most common organism cultured was Escherichia coli in 4 (80%) of the infected women. No other cystoscopic complication was observed. The mean age was 54.7 years (range 27-80), mean parity was 2.8 (range 0-7). In the study group, 54 (69.2%) women were postmenopausal, 9 (11.5%) had diabetes mellitus, 42 (53.8%) had pelvic organ prolapse and 22 (28.2%) had a prior hysterectomy. Most common indications for cystoscopy were hematuria and recurrent UTI, 48 (61.5%) and 22 (28.2%) women respectively. The cystoscopic findings were normal in 59 (75.6%) women. The procedure was completed within five minutes in all participants.
Conclusion: The incidence of bacteriuria following outpatient flexible cystoscopy is low.
Keywords: bacteriuria; flexible cystoscopy; outpatient; transurethral catheterisation.
© 2014 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.