Prevention and management of urinary tract infections after cystectomy

Purpose of review: To give an overview of the most relevant recent literature about urinary tract infections (UTI) after radical cystectomy and to discuss them in the context of new individualized therapy approaches and possible preventive measures.

Recent findings: UTI following radical cystectomy is a common complication associated with significant morbidity and readmission risk. Recent literature focuses on the identification of risk factors and the optimization of management. The risk factors most commonly associated with increased risk for UTI were perioperative blood transfusions and orthotopic neobladder (ONB). Furthermore, the effect of perioperative antibiotic regimens on rates of postoperative infections has been studied, but no consistent significant changes in UTI rates have yet been identified. Guidelines should be based on urologic studies and, wherever appropriate, should be uniform in design to encourage more frequent adherence. Furthermore, understanding the pathomechanisms leading to the development of UTI after radical cystectomy needs to be more central to discussions.

Summary: Uniform definition of UTI, characteristics of bacterial pathogens involved, and type and duration of antibiotics used and identification of clinical risk factors must be the focus of well designed prospective studies to enable reduction of the most common complication after radical cystectomy.