Should antibiotics be given prior to outpatient cystoscopy? A plea to urologists to practice antibiotic stewardship

Prospective Analysis of Versatility and User Satisfaction with a Novel Single-Use Cystoscope with Working Channel

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, a prospective systematic assessment of the clinical utility of the Ambu® aScopeTM 4 Cysto Reverse Deflection with regard to image quality, maneuverability, and navigation in an outpatient and inpatient setting was performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective multicenter study was performed for evaluation of the instrument during routine cystoscopy. We evaluated the clinical performance of the instruments using a standardized user questionnaire in different categories including image quality, treatment success, imaging of all areas of the urinary bladder, quality of navigation, flexibility of the endoscope, and satisfaction with the device. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. A p value of p ≤ 0.05 was defined as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 200 cystoscopies were performed, and the questionnaire response rate was 100%. The image quality was rated as very good in 65.5% (n = 131), good in 30.5% (n = 61), and neutral in 4% (n = 8) of cases. The criteria for poor or very poor were not mentioned. The characteristic "treatment success based on image quality" was also evaluated as very good in 49% (n = 98) and good in 50.5% (n = 101). The analysis revealed a very good or good overall impression of the examiners in all cases. Replacement of the cystoscope was not necessary during any of the examinations. However, in 3 cases, technical difficulties were documented. Further analysis of the data showed that physicians with less professional experience rated the visualization of the urinary bladder (p = 0.007) and the treatment success with regard to image quality significantly worse (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto Reverse Deflection shows high satisfaction values among users in clinical routine. In analogy to other studies with flexible endoscopes, urologists with more professional experience show higher satisfaction values than examiners with less training in flexible endoscopy.

Do We Need a Urine Culture Before Cystoscopy? Time to Shift Away from Routine Testing

OBJECTIVE

To determine if cystoscopy could be safely performed without a urine culture by analyzing 2 prospectively cohorts of patients undergoing outpatient cystoscopy, 1 without urine culture and the other cohort screened and treated for ASB as per protocol. We aim to report the rate of symptomatic UTI and the rate of urinary sepsis within 30 days of cystoscopy.

METHODS

All patients who underwent cystoscopy between 2021 and 2022 were invited to participate. Patients were prospectively recruited in a 2:1 ratio. Cohort A: patients who did not require urine culture before cystoscopy. Cohort B: patients who were required to have sterile urine before the procedure. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of symptomatic UTI ≤ 30 days after cystoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 461 patients were recruited, 316 for cohort A and 145 for cohort B. Fifteen patients had symptomatic UTIs between both groups, 8 in Cohort A and 7 in Cohort B. The overall rate of symptomatic UTI was 3.2%, 2.5% for Cohort A and 4.8% for Cohort B. We had only 1 case of urinary sepsis in Cohort B. The RR for developing UTI in cohort B was 1.91 in the univariate model and 1.74 in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Routine urine culture before outpatient cystoscopy is unnecessary. In asymptomatic patients, subsequent UTIs are rare and can be easily treated. Avoiding routine urine culture helps prevent misuse of antibiotics, reduce cancellation rates, and ease the burden of patients that get cancelled because of ASB. The low risk of symptomatic UTI after the procedure must be discussed with the patient.

Multidisciplinary Project to Prevent Postoperative Urinary Tract Infection

BACKGROUND

Postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) are associated with increased lengths of stay, inpatient costs, and mortality. Review of institutional data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) NSQIP revealed opportunities to improve practices with respect to urinary catheter (Foley) insertion, catheter care, adherence to diagnosis and prevention protocols, and ACS NSQIP reporting.

STUDY DESIGN

A multidisciplinary quality improvement team convened and implemented interventions based on a literature review and analysis of institutional drivers of postoperative UTI. The team educated the ACS NSQIP surgical clinical reviewers and clinical teams about UTI diagnostic criteria and prevention, trained staff in proper catheterization technique, and provided performance feedback. The team also developed kits with supplies and instructions for patients who were discharged home with catheters, along with an instructional video. The investigators evaluated project effectiveness by comparing pre- and postintervention process measures and rates of postoperative UTI.

RESULTS

After interventions, compliance rates improved for hand hygiene (62% to 83%, p = 0.04), precleansing of the periurethral area (66% to 97%, p = 0.001), and catheter positioning (41% to 93%, p < 0.001), and the composite performance (10% to 73%, p < 0.001). Surgery residents' scores on a UTI knowledge assessment improved from 71% to 81% (p = 0.005). The majority of residents and staff strongly agreed that the training sessions would change their practice (57% and 69%, respectively). The unadjusted rate of postoperative UTIs at our institution decreased from 1.55% to 0.69% (p = 0.016), corresponding to an improvement in the ACS NSQIP odds ratio from 1.51 to 0.86.

CONCLUSIONS

A series of interventions, including provider training, patient education, and audits of practice with performance feedback, are associated with improvements in both practice and the incidence of postoperative UTI.

Comparison of Neural Network and Logistic Regression Analysis to Predict the Probability of Urinary Tract Infection Caused by Cystoscopy

Purpose

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections among hospitalized patients. Cystoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to check bladder disease, among the patients receiving procedure, approximately 10% of patients may experience UTI. In this study, a neural network model with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity was developed to predict the probability of UTIs caused by cystoscopic procedures. To reduce antibiotic overuse during cystoscopic procedures, the model can provide clinicians with a rapid assessment of whether patients require prophylactic antibiotics.

Materials and Methods

Patients who underwent cystoscopic procedures at China Medical University Beigang Hospital from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 1647 patients were enrolled, and 147 cases of urinary tract infection occurred. An artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression analysis were used to develop the prediction models, and the two models were compared.

Results

The logistic regression analysis model had an accuracy of 91%, sensitivity of 2%, and specificity of 99%, indicating that the logistic regression model predicted that most patients had a low risk of infection. The neural network model had a high accuracy of 85%, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 88%.

Conclusions

Because the logistic regression model had low sensitivity and missed most cases of UTI, the logistic regression model is inappropriate for clinical application. The neural network model has superior predictive ability and can be considered a tool in clinical practice.

A Retrospective Cohort Study to Identify the Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection After Office Procedures

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to identify the incidence of and risk factors for urinary tract infection (UTI) after office cystoscopy and urodynamic studies (UDS) in a female population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study investigating incidence of and risk factors for UTI after office testing. Inclusion criteria included women presenting for either cystoscopy or UDS from September 2019 to February 2020. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to identify risk factors for UTI after cystoscopy and UDS in a female population.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients met inclusion criteria. One hundred eighty-five patients underwent office cystoscopy. Nine (4.8%) had a postcystoscopy UTI. Significant risk factors for postcystoscopy UTI included recurrent UTI (relative risk, 7.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-34.05) and a history of interstitial cystitis (relative risk, 4.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-13.73). Of those with recurrent UTI, 13.7% had a postcystoscopy UTI. Among patients with interstitial cystitis, 25% had a postcystoscopy UTI. One hundred ninety-two patients underwent UDS. Ten (5.2%) developed a post-UDS UTI. No risk factors were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with recurrent UTI were 7.51 times more likely to develop a UTI after cystoscopy, whereas those with interstitial cystitis were 4.56 times more likely to develop a UTI after cystoscopy. The incidence of UTI after UDS was low overall. Understanding who is at higher risk of postprocedural UTIs may help identify subpopulations that may benefit from prophylactic strategies.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults

Purpose of review

Our goal was to summarize recent evidence regarding recurrent urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria in different adult populations.

Recent findings

Several research groups are focused on the description of resident bacterial flora in the bladder and urinary dysbiosis in the microbiome era. Even the definitions might change in light of these discoveries. However, the role of urinary microbiome and bacterial interference has still to be determined.

Summary

Systematic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is not recommended and even classic indications such as asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women are controversial. In fact, its treatment is associated with a higher probability of symptomatic UTI and a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Improving the diagnosis of asymptomatic bacteriuria and optimizing the management of recurrent urinary tract infections, especially through non-antibiotics measures, are needed in order to minimise antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluating the Safety of Performing Flexible Cystoscopy When Urinalysis Suggests Presence of "Infection": Results of a Prospective Clinical Study in 2350 patients

Background

There is significant underutilisation of allocated health service resources when a scheduled flexible cystoscopy (FC) is cancelled because a pre-cystoscopy urinalysis (PCU) suggests “infection”, despite patients being asymptomatic for urinary tract infection (UTI).

Objective

To evaluate the risk of UTI or urinary sepsis when FC is performed in asymptomatic patients with a PCU positive for leucocyte esterase and/or nitrites.

Design, setting, and participants

A prospective cohort study was conducted in a high-volume UK centre recruiting all patients undergoing outpatient FC.

Intervention

A protocol was developed to guide response to PCU performed prior to FC, which was performed regardless of the result, unless patients were symptomatic for UTI. All patients completed a questionnaire to identify risk factors and were followed up via a telephone survey and a review of electronic clinical records.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Post-FC UTI was defined as hospital admission with UTI/urinary sepsis or if patients were symptomatic for UTI with receipt of antibiotics or with positive urine culture and sensitivity. An analysis of the association was performed.

Results and limitations

An initial pilot study confirmed the safety and feasibility of our protocol. Of 1996 patients, 136 (6.8%) developed a UTI by our definition, with 51 (2.6%) having a culture-proven infection. The risk was higher in patients with a positive PCU (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–2.40, p = 0.02), history of UTI (OR 1.72, 95% CI = 1.09–2.73, p = 0.02), or a bladder tumour on FC (OR 2.22, 95% CI = 1.27–3.90, p = 0.005). No patient with a positive PCU developed urinary sepsis. The main limitation of this study was the lack of pre-protocol control.

Conclusions

We observed a clinically low and acceptable risk of UTI, with no incidence of sepsis, when FC was performed in asymptomatic patients with a PCU suggesting “infection”. Routine cancellation of these patients is unnecessary and may worsen the burden on health service resources.

Patient summary

We evaluated the safety of performing flexible cystoscopy when the urine dipstick on the day suggested presence of an “infection” but the patient had no symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Our study in over 2000 patients demonstrated a low incidence of UTI, and none of these patients developed sepsis. We therefore recommend that flexible cystoscopy should not be cancelled automatically on the basis of the dipstick result alone, as it might delay a time-sensitive crucial diagnosis.

Recommendations of the AFU Infectious Diseases Committee on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections of endo-ureteral equipment

INTRODUCTION

No recent national guidelines exist regarding the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the presence of ureteral stent. This situation could lead to discrepancies in clinical management and less opportunity for a favorable patient's outcome.

METHODS

All available data published on Medline® between 1998 and 2018 were systematically searched and reviewed. All papers assessing adult patients carrying ureteral stent were included for analysis. After studies critical analysis, national guidelines for clinical management were elaborated in order to answer clinical questions.

RESULTS

A total of 451 articles were identified, of which 58 have been included. The prevalence of urinary tract infections in the presence of ureteral stent remains unknown. After 3 months, all endo-ureteral devices were colonized on microbiological study. These patients also presented a positive urine culture in 25 to 70% of the cases, often polymicrobial. Staphylococci, E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Candida were the commonest micro-organisms responsible for urinary colonization or infection. The risk of UTI on endo-ureteral devices seemed higher the longer it stayed implanted. There is no justification in the literature to recommend a systematic change of endo-ureteral devices following a urinary tract infection.

DISCUSSION

The existing literature is rich but of poor methodological quality, and therefore does not allow to draw robust conclusions. The greatest difficulty faced in this work was to accurately differentiate urinary colonizations from true infections, including clinical symptoms and not only microbiological results.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines propose a standardized management of such common clinical situations. Well-designed studies are needed to upgrade the level of evidence of these guidelines.

Flexible cystoscopy for ureteral stent removal without antimicrobial prophylaxis. A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Flexible cystoscopy for ureteral stent removal after ureteroscopy is widely performed. In this scenario, the real need for antimicrobial prophylaxis is still uncertain. Aim of this study is to determine the urinary tract infections rate after 4 weeks from outpatient flexible cystoscopies for ureteral stent removal without antimicrobial prophylaxis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was performed between November 2017 and August 2018 in a single, high-volume Institution.Risk factors for UTIs were recorded. Immediately before cystoscopy, each patient submitted a voided urine specimen. Antibiotics were not given before or after cystoscopy. About 7 and 28 days after cystoscopy all the patients underwent abdomen US, urine analysis and culture, and clinical evaluation to assess possible symptoms of UTI.

RESULTS

A total of 192 patients were enrolled in the study, 76 patients (39.2%) were female. Median age was 55 years [IQR 47- 68]. Median BMI was 24.2 [22.9-26.7]. Eighteen patients (9.4%) had asymptomatic bacteriuria before cystoscopy and 39 (20.3%) had positive culture at 7 days. About 21 patients (10.9%) were diagnosed with febrile UTI in the 28 days FU period. The 28.6 % of the Febrile patients had asymptomatic bacteriuria before the stent removal (p < 0.001), this group was slightly older (p = 0.085) and with higher BMI (p = 0.036).Forty-eight patients had positive urine culture at 7 days, of whom 27 (14.1%) were asymptomatic and were classified as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Multivariate analysis shows that only high BMI and bacteriuria before the procedure were significantly associated with developing a febrile UTI, none of the other risk factors was significant.

CONCLUSION

Our data show a high rate of UTI after flexible cystoscopies for ureteral stent removal without antimicrobial prophylaxis especially in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria, in those with high BMI and in the elderly; in these subgroups, antimicrobial prophylaxis should be recommended.

Evaluation of post-flexible cystoscopy urinary tract infection rates

PURPOSE

The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) development after flexible cystoscopy (FC) is not well described. It remains difficult to assess the role of pre-FC antimicrobial prophylaxis to reduce UTI risk.

METHODS

In fall 2017, the urology service at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center implemented routine oral antimicrobial prophylaxis in its outpatient FC clinic. Outpatients were randomly selected for a retrospective chart review to compare patients who received pre-FC antimicrobials (cefuroxime 500 mg tablet or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim [800 mg/160 mg] tablet) and those who underwent FC prior to fall 2017 and did not receive prophylaxis. The primary outcome was presence of symptomatic UTI within 30 days post FC. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic UTI that met colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL guideline requirements, and UTI treatment received. Potential risk factors for UTI were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 296 patients were included in the final analysis: 139 who did not receive and 157 who received a prophylactic antimicrobial before FC. Rates of symptomatic UTI, symptomatic UTI meeting CFU/mL guideline requirements, and postprocedure treatment for UTI were similar with and without antimicrobial prophylaxis (2.5% vs 2.2% [P > 0.99], 1.9% vs 1.4% [P > 0.99], and 2.5% vs 4.3% [P = 0.53], respectively). The mean number of days from FC to the start of UTI treatment was 7.9 (range, 1-18 days). Age over 65 years was the only risk factor present in all patients with a post-FC UTI, irrespective of antimicrobial prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

The rate of post-FC symptomatic UTI was lower than rates previously described in the literature. The role of antimicrobial prophylaxis prior to FC warrants further exploration.

An Observational Cohort Study Investigating the Incidence Rate of Infectious Complications After Routine Office Nephrostomy Tube Replacement Without Using Antimicrobial Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of infectious complications after routine office nephrostomy tube replacement (NTR) in patients that did not receive antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP).

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled all patients undergoing routine office NTR between July 2018 and September 2019. Each procedure was considered an independent event. Clinical, microbiological, demographic data were collected. AMP was exclusion criterion. All patients received a questionnaire via phone call within 3 weeks after NTR investigating fever, antibiotics use, hospital admissions. Infectious complications risk was assessed with univariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five routine NTRs were performed. Nineteen patients receiving AMP were excluded. Median age was 78 years (interquartile range 71-81). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was ≥5 in 53.2% of patients, 34 had positive urine culture, none received AMP. Seventeen (13.49%) patients reported fever after procedure, 9 received antibiotic therapy while fever resolved spontaneously in 8. Three patients needed hospitalization, 2 for nephrostomy malfunction, 1 for infectious complications. At multivariate analysis only CCI score ≥3 was associated (P < .001) with increased infectious complications risk.

CONCLUSION

In this study fever occurs after the 13.5% of the routine NTRs, in almost half cases resolves spontaneously rather than with oral antimicrobial therapy. Avoiding AMP before routine NTR does not expose patients to life-threatening infections.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: 2019 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common finding in many populations, including healthy women and persons with underlying urologic abnormalities. The 2005 guideline from the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommended that ASB should be screened for and treated only in pregnant women or in an individual prior to undergoing invasive urologic procedures. Treatment was not recommended for healthy women; older women or men; or persons with diabetes, indwelling catheters, or spinal cord injury. The guideline did not address children and some adult populations, including patients with neutropenia, solid organ transplants, and nonurologic surgery. In the years since the publication of the guideline, further information relevant to ASB has become available. In addition, antimicrobial treatment of ASB has been recognized as an important contributor to inappropriate antimicrobial use, which promotes emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The current guideline updates the recommendations of the 2005 guideline, includes new recommendations for populations not previously addressed, and, where relevant, addresses the interpretation of nonlocalizing clinical symptoms in populations with a high prevalence of ASB.

Oncologic outcomes of patients with incidental prostate cancer who underwent RARC: a comparison between nerve sparing and non-nerve sparing approach

BACKGROUND

Incidental Prostate cancer (iPCa) is a relatively common finding during histopathological evaluation of radical cystectomy (RC) specimens. To reduce the high impact of RC on erectile function, several sexual-preserving techniques have been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the oncologic outcomes of patients with iPCa who underwent nerve spring and no-nerve sparing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

METHODS

The clinicopathologic data of male patients who underwent RARC at our institution between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Patients with iPCa at definitive pathological examinations were stratified in two groups, according to the preservation of the neurovascular bundles (nerve sparing vs no nerve sparing). Significant PCa was defined as any Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4. Biochemical recurrence (BR) was defined as a sustained PSA level > 0.2 ng/mL on two or more consecutive appraisals. BR rate was assessed only in patients with incidental prostate cancer and at least 2 years of follow-up. Differences in categorical and continuous variables were analysed using the chi-squared test and the Mann-Withney U test, respectively. Biochemical recurrence curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the Log-rank test.

RESULTS

Overall, 343 male patients underwent RARC for bladder cancer within the study period. Nerve-sparing surgery was performed in 143 patients (41%), of these 110 had at least 2 years of follow up after surgery. Patients who underwent nerve-sparing surgery were significantly younger (p < 0.001). Clinically significant PCa was found in 24% of patients. No significant differences regarding preoperative PSA value (p = 0.3), PCa pathological stage (p = 0.5), Gleason score (p = 0.3) and positive surgical margin rates (p = 0.3) were found between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 51 months only one patient, in the no-nerve-sparing group had developed a biochemical recurrence (p = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series most of the iPca detected in RC specimens can be considered as insignificant with a low rate of BR (0.9%). Nerve-sparing RARC is a safe procedure which did not affect oncological outcomes of patients with iPCa.

[Evaluation of French practices in 2019 regarding prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections related to ureteral stent]

INTRODUCTION

Urological recommendations never focused on prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections related to endo-ureteral material.

METHODS

We conducted an evaluation of French professional practices in May 2019 in the aim of highlighting the important heterogeneity of practices using a Survey Monkey inquiry.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-seventy-five urologists answered the inquiry, as to say 13% of French urologists. Questions regarding the management of pre-surgical polymicrobial urine sample, medical and surgical management of pyelonephritis on endo-ureteral material and regarding the need to diagnose and treat asymptomatic bacteriuria before endo-ureteral stent removal are the main points a majority of French urologists felt uncomfortable with.

CONCLUSION

This study evaluated French practices in 2019. The diversity of the answers highlights the need for new recommendations on these subjects of daily practice. Future recommendations should allow their homogenization based on the existing evidence-based data.

An outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infections following outpatient flexible cystoscopy

The investigation of an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infections after ambulatory cystoscopies identified a damaged cystoscope contaminated by P aeruginosa and acting as a relay object. This outbreak urges us not to trivialize urinary tract infections occurring after an elective cystoscopy. Patients should be advised to signal the occurrence of urologic symptoms after urologic exploration.

Recommended antibiotic prophylaxis regimen in retrograde intrarenal surgery: evidence from a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following different antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP) regimens in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-centre, randomised, controlled trial (August 2014-September 2017) including 426 patients with renal stones with preoperative sterile urine managed by RIRS (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02304822). Different ciprofloxacin-based ABP regimens were used and included a zero dose, single dose (30 min before surgery) or two doses (first dose at 30 min before RIRS and additional dose within 6 h after RIRS). The incidence of SIRS was compared using intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses.

RESULTS

Each group enrolled 142 patients. In the ITT analysis, a zero dose of ABP was statistically similar to the two ABP regimes for the incidence of SIRS (9.9% vs single dose 4.9%, P = 0.112; vs two doses 4.2%, P = 0.062). There were also no relevant differences across groups in the PP analysis; no urosepsis was recorded. In subgroup analysis with stratification by stone area, the three regimens all had a low and similar incidence of SIRS for stones of ≤200 mm² in the ITT analysis with a sufficient power value (5.4% vs 6.2% vs 3.6%, P = 0.945 vs single dose and P = 0.553 vs two doses). However, there was a greater chance of SIRS in patients who received no ABP with stones of >200 mm² (18% vs single dose 4.3%, P = 0.036; vs two doses 5.5%, P = 0.044). Similar trends were seen in the PP analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with preoperative sterile urine, ABP is not strongly recommended in patients with stones of ≤200 mm² , but for stones >200 mm² single-dose ABP is still required.

Antimicrobial agents for preventing urinary tract infections in adults undergoing cystoscopy

BACKGROUND

Cystoscopy is commonly performed for diagnostic purposes to inspect the interior lining of the bladder. One disadvantage of cystoscopy is the risk of symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) due to pre-existing colonization or by introduction of bacteria at the time of the procedure. However, the incidence of symptomatic UTI following cystoscopy is low. Currently, there is no consensus on whether antimicrobial agents should be used to prevent symptomatic UTI for cystoscopy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of antimicrobial agents compared with placebo or no treatment for prevention of UTI in adults undergoing cystoscopy.

SEARCH METHODS

We comprehensively searched electronic databases of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and CINAHL. We searched the WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing trials. We used no language or date restrictions in the electronic searches. We searched the reference lists of identified articles and contacted authors for related information. The last search of the electronic databases was 4 February 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that compared any prophylactic antibiotic versus placebo, no treatment, or other non-antibiotic prophylaxis in adults undergoing cystoscopy. There was no restriction on the dose, frequency, formulation, duration, or mode of administration of the antibiotics.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were systemic UTI, symptomatic UTI (composite of systemic and/or localized UTI), and serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes were minor adverse events, localized UTI, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and bacterial resistance. We assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 20 RCTs and two quasi-RCTs with 7711 participants, all of which compared antibiotic prophylaxis with placebo or no treatment control. We found no studies comparing antibiotic prophylaxis with non-antibiotic prophylaxis.Primary outcomesSystemic UTI: antibiotic prophylaxis may have little or no effect on the risk of systemic UTI compared with placebo or no treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 3.32; 5 RCTs; 504 participants; low-quality evidence); this corresponds to two more people (95% CI 12 fewer to 46 more) per 1000 people developing a systemic UTI. We downgraded the quality of the evidence for study limitations and imprecision.Symptomatic UTI: antibiotic prophylaxis may reduce the risk of symptomatic UTI (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.86; 11 RCTs; 5441 participants; low-quality evidence); this corresponds to 30 fewer people (95% CI 42 fewer to 8 fewer) per 1000 people developing a symptomatic UTI when provided with antibiotic prophylaxis. We downgraded the quality of the evidence for study limitations and potential publication bias.Serious adverse events: the studies reported no serious adverse events in either the intervention group or control group and no effect size could be calculated. Antibiotic prophylaxis may have little or no effect on serious adverse events (4 RCTs, 630 participants; very low-quality evidence), but we are very uncertain of this finding. We downgraded the quality of the evidence for study limitations and very serious imprecision.Secondary outcomesMinor adverse events: prophylactic antibiotics may have little or no effect on minor adverse events when compared with placebo or no treatment (RR 2.82, 95% CI 0.54 to 14.80; 4 RCTs; 630 participants; low-quality evidence). We downgraded the quality of the evidence for study limitations and imprecision.Localized UTI: prophylactic antibiotics may have little or no effect on the risk of localized UTI (RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.77; 1 RCT; 200 participants; very low-quality evidence), but we were very uncertain of this finding. We downgraded the quality of the evidence for study limitations and very serious imprecision.Bacterial resistance: prophylactic antibiotics may increase bacterial resistance (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.87; 38 participants; 2 RCTs; very low-quality evidence), but we were uncertain of this finding. We downgraded the quality of the evidence for study limitations, indirectness, and imprecision.We were able to perform few secondary analyses; these did not suggest any subgroup effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis may reduce the risk of symptomatic UTI but not systemic UTIs. Serious and minor adverse events may not be increased with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis. The findings are informed by low- and very low-quality evidence ratings for all outcomes.

Safety and effectiveness of zero antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol for outpatient cystourethroscopy

OBJECTIVES

To examine compliance and clinical outcomes after implementation of a zero antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol for outpatient cystoscopy in an academic centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of all patients who underwent diagnostic cystoscopy in the year preceding and year following protocol implementation were evaluated for urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis within 30 days of cystoscopy. Variables compared between groups included age, sex, smoking history, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosis, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, catheter use (indwelling, suprapubic, or intermittent), and previous lower urinary tract reconstruction (augmentation cystoplasty or neobladder). UTI was defined using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program definition. Rates were compared between groups, and statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests and multivariable logistic regression, with significance defined as α < 0.05.

RESULTS

In total, 941 patients were included in the analysis (72% men), 513 before protocol initiation, and 427 after. Groups were similar with regard to demographic variables and potential risk factors for infection. After protocol implementation, there was a significant reduction in patients receiving procedural antimicrobial prophylaxis (30% vs 15%; P < 0.001). The incidence of UTI after cystoscopy was slightly higher in the post-protocol group (2.9-3.7%), but the difference was not statistically significant (chi-squared = 0.56, P = 0.45). The incidence of UTI did not significantly differ with procedural antibiotic prophylaxis or with other antibiotic use at time of cystoscopy. Five out of a total of 31 UTIs (16%) over the study period resulted in fever, and four (13%) resulted in urosepsis. The probability of neither complication differed significantly between pre- and post-protocol groups. The only significant patient-level predictor of post-cystoscopy UTI was catheter use (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.06).

CONCLUSION

Protocol implementation led to a significant decrease in procedural antimicrobial prophylaxis, indicating protocols may be effective tools in promoting antibiotic stewardship. UTI incidence did not change significantly under the protocol, and antibiotic prophylaxis did not decrease infection rate. Our results support catheter use as a risk factor for post-cystoscopy infection, but other patient variables, including those present in the American Urological Association Best Practice statement, were not predictive. In total, this analysis suggests that decreasing antibiotic prophylaxis for cystourethroscopy is safe and can be effective in the outpatient setting.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in urodynamics: Clinical practice guidelines using a formal consensus method]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to issue clinical practice guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis in urodynamics (urodynamic studies, UDS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical practice guidelines were provided using a formal consensus method. Guidelines proposals were drew up by a multidisciplinary experts group (pilot group = steering group), then rated by a panel of 12 experts (rating group) using a formal consensus method, and then peer reviewed by a reviewing/reading group of experts (different from the rating group).

RESULTS

Urine (bacterial) culture with antimicrobial susceptibility testing is recommended for all patients before UDS (strong agreement). In patients with no neurologic disease, the risk factors for tract urinary infection (UTI) after UDS are age > 70 years, recurrent UTI, and post-void residual volume > 100ml. In patients with neurologic disease, the risk factors for UTI after UDS are recurrent UTI, vesicoureteral reflux, and intermicturition pressure > 40cmH₂O. If the urine culture is negative before UDS and there is no risk factor for UTI, antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended (Strong agreement). If the urine culture is negative before UDS, but there are one or more risk factors for UTI, antibiotic prophylaxis is optional. If antibiotic prophylaxis is initiated, a single oral dose (3g) of fosfomycin-tromethamine two hours before UDS is recommended (Strong agreement). If there is bacterial colonization on UCB before UDS, antibiotic therapy is optional (Undecided). If prescribed, it should be adapted to the antimicrobial susceptibility of the identified bacterium or bacteria, started the day before and stopped after UDS (except for fosfomycin-tromethamine: a single dose the day before UDS is necessary and sufficient) (Strong agreement). In the event of UTI before UDS, the UTI should be treated and UDS postponed (Strong agreement). The proposed recommendations should not be changed for patients with a hip or knee replacement (Strong agreement). No antibiotic prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis is necessary, including in high-risk patients with valvular heart disease (Strong agreement).

CONCLUSION

These new guidelines should help to harmonize clinical practice and limit exposure to antibiotics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Inconsistency in the Definition of Urinary Tract Infection after Intravesical Botulinum Toxin A Injection: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To more accurately examine the rate of urinary tract infection following onabotulinumtoxinA injection of the bladder we systematically reviewed the literature for definitions of urinary tract infection in studies of onabotulinumtoxinA injections. We assessed the studies for consistency with guideline statements defining urinary tract infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature by querying MEDLINE® and Embase®. We included original studies on adult patients with idiopathic overactive bladder and/or neurogenic detrusor overactivity who underwent cystoscopy with onabotulinumtoxinA injection and in whom urinary tract infection was a reported outcome.

RESULTS

We identified 299 publications, of which 50 met study inclusion criteria. In 27 studies (54%) urinary tract infection diagnostic criteria were defined with a total of 10 definitions among these studies. None of the overactive bladder studies used a definition which met the EAU (European Association of Urology) criteria for urinary tract infection. Only 2 of the 10 studies on patients with neurogenic bladder used a urinary tract infection definition consistent with the NIDRR (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research) standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Definitions of urinary tract infection are heterogeneous and frequently absent in the literature on onabotulinumtoxinA to treat overactive bladder and/or neurogenic bladder. Given the potential for post-procedure urinary symptoms in this setting, explicit criteria are imperative to establish the true urinary tract infection rate following treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA.

Tailored perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in urological surgery: myth or reality?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The controversies surrounding perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) are about the use and especially misuse of antibiotics. The overall lack of evidence to facilitate a rational perioperative AMP policy in urological surgery and the postoperative infectious complications remain a challenge. Therefore, a basic tool to aid decision-making would be useful. A model based on the patients' risk factors, the level of contamination and grading of surgical procedures is discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

A series of studies have shown that infectious complications and healthcare-associated infections remain consistently at an average of 10%, with a great variation in frequency dependent on the patients' preoperative status and the type, severity and contamination level of the surgical procedure. Preoperative patient assessment and preparation are key factors for well tolerated surgery and recovery. Adherence to the guidelines appears to reduce both the prescription of antimicrobials and the total costs without risking the patient outcome. Several studies of a series of interventions such as cystoscopy, endoscopic stone surgery and selected clean-contaminated interventions give support to the model. Bacteriuria, upgrading the patient to the contaminated level, requires preoperative control.

SUMMARY

The discussed model assists the urologists in decision-making on perioperative AMP and contributes to a responsible use of antibiotics.

Rate and association of lower urinary tract infection with recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor

Purpose

To evaluate the rate of pyuria and bacteriuria after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated data obtained from 363 patients who underwent TURBT between October 2012 and December 2013 at Seoul National University Hospital. Urinalysis and urine culture were assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Primary endpoint was the rate of bacteriuria (≥10⁵/mL in a midstream) and pyuria (white blood cells ≥5/high-power field).

Results

We analyzed 306 patients who were eligible for the study. Pyuria was present in 23.5% of patients in the 3rd postoperative month and in 31.7% of patients in the 24th postoperative month. Bacteriuria was present in 1.3% of patients in the 3rd postoperative month and in 2.6% of patients in the 24th postoperative month. Among urothelial carcinoma patients (n=220), 24.1% showed pyuria and 1.8% showed bacteriuria at the 3rd postoperative month. We found that 31.8% showed pyuria and 3.2% showed bacteriuria at the 24th postoperative month. There was no significant difference in the rate of pyuria and bacteriuria between the intravesical treatment group and the no-treatment group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that pyuria in the 3rd postoperative month (odd ratio [OR], 2.254; p=0.039), tumor multiplicity (OR, 3.331; p=0.001), and the absence of intravesical treatment (OR, 4.927; p=0.001) increases the risk of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients showed pyuria after TURBT during the follow-up period. Additionally, presence of pyuria in the short-term follow-up period after TURBT constitutes a risk factor for recurrence of bladder cancer.

An Evidence-Based Protocol for Antibiotic Use Prior to Cystoscopy Decreases Antibiotic Use without Impacting Post-Procedural Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infection Rates

PURPOSE

Symptomatic urinary tract infection is a complication of office based cystourethroscopy. Studies are mixed regarding the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent urinary tract infections. Our aim was to develop and evaluate an evidence-based protocol that reduces unnecessary antibiotic use while avoiding an increase in urinary tract infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We created a clinic antibiogram based on all urology office visits performed during a 2-year period. Bacterial resistance rates, institutional risk related data and clinical guidelines were applied to create a protocol for antibiotic administration before cystourethroscopy. We then analyzed 1,245 consecutive patients without a renal transplant who underwent outpatient cystourethroscopy, including 610 after protocol initiation. Urinary tract infection rates and antibiotic use were analyzed for an association with the protocol change using the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

Cultures had an overall 20% rate of resistance to fluoroquinolones, representing 40% of the cultures that grew Escherichia coli. Before the protocol change 602 of 635 patients (94.8%) received a preprocedural antibiotic compared to 426 of 610 (69.9%) after protocol initiation (p <0.01). A total of 19 patients (3.0%) had a symptomatic urinary tract infection prior to the protocol change while 16 (2.6%) had a urinary tract infection after the change (p = 0.69). Regarding resistance, fluoroquinolone resistant organisms grew in the cultures of 12 of 19 patients (63.2%) with a urinary tract infection before the protocol change compared to 5 of 16 (31.3%) with a urinary tract infection after the change. Recent antibiotic administration, hospitalization and chronic catheterization were associated with urinary tract infection in the entire cohort (all p ≤0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A local antibiogram with infection related risk data effectively risk stratifies patients before cystourethroscopy, decreasing the use of antibiotics without increasing the rate of symptomatic urinary tract infection.

Preoperative Antibiotics Before Bladder Biopsy: Are They Necessary?

OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative infectious outcomes of bladder biopsies performed in the office without antibiotic prophylaxis vs those done with preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the operating room (OR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our institutional review board-approved database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent bladder biopsy in the office or in the OR between July 2014 and August 2015. All patients with bladder biopsies performed in the OR and none in the office received preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Patient characteristics and post-procedural outcomes including bacteriuria, urinary tract infection (UTI), and febrile UTI were recorded. The rates of these outcomes were compared between the 2 groups using the chi-square test. Patients were excluded from analysis if they experienced a UTI or were prescribed antibiotics within 30 days before their procedure.

RESULTS

In all, 216 biopsies were identified (106 in the office and 110 in the OR). No difference was noted in the rate of UTI (0.94% vs 0.91%, P = .98), or febrile UTI (0% vs 0.91%, P = .33) between those undergoing bladder biopsy in the office and those in the OR. There was no difference in the incidence of new urinary symptoms (2.8% vs 5.5%, P = .33) or post-procedural bacteriuria (3.8% vs 3.6%, P = .96).

CONCLUSION

Since the introduction of the mandated use of antibiotics for routine procedures such as bladder biopsy, antibiotic use has markedly increased. Our data suggest that the preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis that is recommended may not confer benefit to select patients. At a time when antibiotic stewardship is of utmost importance, guidelines regarding its use should be reconsidered.

Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections in Renal Transplant Recipients after Cystoscopy for Ureteral Stent Removal

INTRODUCTION

Symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) is a known complication of cystoscopy with ureteral stent removal. However, little is known about the incidence and risk factors for post-cystoscopy UTI in renal transplant recipients, who likely represent a high-risk cohort. Our aim was to determine the infection rate following cystoscopy with stent removal in this population and identify opportunities for care improvement.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of office cystoscopies with stent removal in renal transplant recipients performed at a single institution from April 2012 through May 2014. Strict criteria were used to determine presence of symptomatic UTI within one month of the procedure. Fisher's exact tests were completed to examine associations between patient characteristics and post-transplant outcomes with UTI.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients were included. Mean age was 50.0 (SD 13.1) years, and 187 (57.7%) patients were male. Within this group,165 (52.5%) patients received a pre-procedural oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic dose prior to the procedure. Nine patients had symptomatic UTIs (2.8%), of which three infections (33.3%) were due to quinolone-resistant organisms. Female sex (P =0.04), but no other patient or post-operative characteristic was associated with symptomatic UTI, including the use of peri-procedural antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of symptomatic UTI after cystoscopy with ureteral stent removal in renal transplant recipients is less than three percent and comparable to post-cystoscopy UTI risk in the general population. Female sex is associated with symptomatic UTI. Further investigation is needed to identify groups most at risk for UTI and other complications.

Cystoscopy and intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin therapy in antibiotic-naïve patients with bladder cancer with asymptomatic bacteriuria: An update

Urologists often insist on sterile urine before invasive outpatient urological procedures, and urine culture and antibiotics are usually given before cystoscopy or instillation of bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy, especially in patients who have positive urine cultures. Our experience suggests that cystoscopy and induction BCG therapy can be performed safely, even in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria, without pretreatment or prophylactic antibiotics. The rate of subsequent febrile urinary tract infection is <4% in both infected and uninfected patients. Pretreatment antibacterial therapy does not appear to be necessary before these two outpatient urological procedures in patients with bladder cancer. Such strategy facilitates timely interventions and reduces the possibility of antibiotic resistance.

The cost of surveillance after urethroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine variability in urethral stricture surveillance. Urethral strictures impact quality of life and exact a large economic burden. Although urethroplasty is the gold standard for durable treatment, strictures recur in 8%-18%. There are no universally accepted guidelines for posturethroplasty surveillance. We performed a literature search to evaluate variability in surveillance protocols, analyzed costs, and reviewed performance of each commonly used modality.

METHODS

MEDLINE search was performed using the keywords "urethroplasty," "urethral stricture," and "stricture recurrence" to ascertain commonly used surveillance strategies for stricture recurrence. We included English language articles from the past 10 years with at least 10 patients, and age >18 years. Cost data were calculated based on standard 2013 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services physician's fees.

RESULTS

Surveillance methods included retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram, cystourethroscopy, urethral ultrasound, American Urological Association Symptom Score, and postvoid residual and urine flowmetry (UF) measurement. Most protocols call for a retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram at the time of catheter removal. After this, UF or PVR, cystoscopy, urine culture, or a combination of UF and American Urological Association Symptom Score was performed at variable intervals. The first-year follow-up cost of anterior urethral surgery ranged from $205 to $1784. For posterior urethral surgery, follow-up cost for the first year ranged from $404 to $961.

CONCLUSION

Practice variability for surveillance of urethral stricture recurrence after urethroplasty leads to significant differences in cost.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in urology]

INTRODUCTION

Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) is used to minimize infectious complications resulting from interventions. Due to high rates of development of bacterial resistance and side effects, the use of antibiotics must be weighed on the basis of high levels of evidence. The main endpoints of urology AP are the prevention of symptomatic urogenital infections, urosepsis and wound infections. The purpose of this review is to bring objectives, principles and recommendations on urology AP according to the latest scientific evidence.

METHODS

We carried out a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library using keywords such as AP, prophylaxis, antibiotics, urological surgery, urogenital surgery and the names of the urologic procedures. The results of studies on the AP for each procedure were classified according to the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation from the European Association of Urology.

RESULTS

There are a number of good quality studies on AP about endoscopic resection of the prostate (TURP), urodynamic studies and transrectal prostate biopsies (trPB). The majority of the studies about other procedures have several limitations (sample size, consistency of definitions, statistics and trial design). Lack of consistency in the definitions of infectious complications does not allow comparison between different studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The AP is evidence-based is indicated only for TURP and trPB. It is desirable to perform randomized, prospective and controlled trials in order to rationalize the use of antibiotics, improve the cost/benefit ratio and reduce bacterial antibiotic resistances.

Low incidence of bacteriuria with outpatient flexible cystoscopy

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.

Antimicrobial Stewardship and Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are the most common bacterial infections encountered in ambulatory and long-term care settings in the United States. Urine samples are the largest single category of specimens received by most microbiology laboratories and many such cultures are collected from patients who have no or questionable urinary symptoms. Unfortunately, antimicrobials are often prescribed inappropriately in such patients. Antimicrobial use, whether appropriate or inappropriate, is associated with the selection for antimicrobial-resistant organisms colonizing or infecting the urinary tract. Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms are associated with higher rates of treatment failures, prolonged hospitalizations, increased costs and mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship consists of avoidance of antimicrobials when appropriate and, when antimicrobials are indicated, use of strategies to optimize the selection, dosing, route of administration, duration and timing of antimicrobial therapy to maximize clinical cure while limiting the unintended consequences of antimicrobial use, including toxicity and selection of resistant microorganisms. This article reviews successful antimicrobial stewardship strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.