Screening for preoperative bacteriuria

The likelihood of postoperative infection following a urological procedure is increased if the patient has bacteriuria, so preoperative screening for bacteriuria is recommended for many urological procedures. If the results of screening are positive, see Treating preoperative bacteriuria.

For uncomplicated cystoscopic diagnostic procedures, do not screen for bacteriuria because the risk of postoperative infection is low. However, if the results of urinalysis suggest urinary tract infection, urine culture should be performed.

For other elective urological procedures that enter the urinary tract, perform preoperative urine culture. In catheterised patients, collect samples using a new catheter to avoid contamination of the sample by organisms colonising the old catheter.

If preoperative screening is not possible before an immediate operation, empirical treatment may be required; see Treating preoperative bacteriuria.