Evaluating the risk of urinary tract infections after prostate laser surgery

This study looked at the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients who had prostate laser surgery. This study found that these infections are a common side effect, and longer antibiotic use does not significantly lower this risk.

As men age, the prostate can become larger. If an enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and causes difficulty urinating, this is called benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Surgery to physically remove part of the prostate gland is the standard treatment for BPO. However, urinary tract infections are a common side effect of this procedure.

Photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is an alternative to conventional surgery. PVP uses a precision laser to remove part of the prostate. Antibiotic treatment after the procedure may help lower the risk of UTIs. Whether PVP reduces the risk of urinary tract infections for patients with BPO remains under investigation.

This study included the medical records of 665 patients who underwent PVP. The average follow-up was 31 days.

Overall, 20% of patients were diagnosed with a UTI after the procedure.

Certain factors were associated with a higher risk of UTI after the PVP procedure. Patients who had kidney failure had a 14.10-fold higher risk of developing a UTI. Patients who had a urinary catheter, a UTI, or treatment with antibiotics within three months before PVP had a 1.99-fold higher risk of developing a UTI after the procedure.

On average, patients were prescribed antibiotics for an average of 2 weeks after PVP. The type and duration of antibiotic treatment did not affect the risk of UTI.

This study concluded that UTIs are a common side effect of PVP treatment for patients with BPO. The authors suggest that patients who had kidney problems were more likely to have a UTI after the procedure.

This study had a short follow-up period. More studies are needed to confirm these results. The best type and duration of antibiotic treatment after the PVP procedure warrant further investigation.

If you plan to have PVP, ask your doctor how long antibiotic treatment is necessary after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing UTIs.