The Effectiveness of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Urethral Bulking

The Effectiveness of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Urethral Bulking

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if prophylactic antibiotics in urethral bulking are effective in reducing postprocedural urinary tract infections.

Urethral bulking is a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). One commonly reported post-procedural complication is urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI rates are variable where studies have reported rates from as low as 0% to as high as 40%. Along with this variability, the instructional inserts for various bulking agents have inconsistent recommendations for use of prophylactic antibiotics. The American Urologic Association recommends antimicrobial prophylaxis for cystourethroscopy procedures involving minor manipulation. Currently, there are no clear guidelines regarding the utility of prophylactic antibiotics for urethral bulking. The objective of our study is to determine the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in urethral bulking for reducing post procedural UTIs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled to undergo a urethral bulking procedure
• Age 18 ≥ over

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of recurrent urinary tract infections
• Known history of urinary retention
• Allergies or contraindications to multiple antibiotics
• Inability to tolerate oral antibiotics
• Concomitant surgical procedures at the time of urethral bulking
• Pregnant or breastfeeding