Catheterization Related Complications Among Adults Male Patients with Urinary Retention in a Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Urethral catheterization is a common procedure in urologic practice. It is most commonly employed in relieving urinary retention. Various complications are associated with urethral catheterization and these depend on availability of expertise and strict observation of asepsis during the procedure. This study aimed at establishing the types and prevalence of complications associated with urethral catheterization among patients with urinary retention. It was a prospective study on 110 patients who presented in urinary retention and who were catheterize to relieve the retention. On presentation the patients were catheterize and urine was immediately taken for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Patients with established UTI were excluded from subsequent investigation of catheter related UTI. Other complications of catheterization were also looked for and recorded. The patients age ranged from 17 to 100 years, with a mean age of 56±19.3 SD years. Up to 74.5% of the patients in this study did not develop any of the complications. The most common complication was introduction of UTI in 17.3%. This was followed by haematuria in 5.5% of the patients. Three patients (2.7%) had their urethra injured and none had post obstructive diuresis. Catheterization related urinary tract infection is common despite observing asepsis in relieving urinary retention but other complications are not common.