Alternate Names : UTI – associated with a catheter, Urinary tract infection – associated with a catheter
Definition
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection from using tubes (catheters) that drain urine from the body.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The presence of a catheter within the urinary tract increases the likelihood of urinary tract infection. It may also increase the difficulty of treating the infection.
If a urinary catheter is left in place for long periods of time, bacteria will grow in it. A harmful infection may occur if the number of bacteria becomes large or if specific harmful bacteria grow in the urinary tract.
Pictures & Images
Bladder catheterization, female
A catheter (a hollow tube, often with an inflatable balloon tip) may be inserted into the urinary bladder when there is a urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, etc.), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured.
Bladder catheterization, male
Catheterization is accomplished by inserting a catheter (a hollow tube, often with and inflatable balloon tip) into the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed for urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, etc.), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra.
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Catheter-associated UTI : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Catheter-associated UTI : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Catheter-associated UTI : Treatment
Review Date : 1/10/2010
Reviewed By : David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine.
