What causes urinary tract infections due to catheters?

Catheters play an important role in urinary management. They can be used for drainage, urine volume observation, urine testing, bladder irrigation, and are also helpful in assisting diagnosis. However, improper operation of catheters can also cause urinary tract infections, seriously affecting the patient's physical health and quality of life.

There are many reasons why a urinary catheter can cause urinary tract infection, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Lax aseptic operation: During the catheterization process, if the aseptic operation specifications are not strictly followed, such as skin preparation is not performed, the urethral opening is not thoroughly disinfected, or the disinfection range is not large enough, exogenous bacteria may be brought into the urethra and bladder, thereby causing urinary tract infection.

2. Long-term indwelling of the urinary catheter: Generally speaking, the indwelling time of the urinary catheter should be controlled within 3-7 days. If it needs to be indwelled for a long time, the urinary catheter should be replaced every 7-10 days. Long-term indwelling of the urinary catheter not only increases the risk of urinary tract infection, but also may cause obstruction of urine secretion glands, thereby causing urinary tract infections such as acute urethritis. In addition, if the urinary catheter is indwelled for more than two weeks, the probability of infection will increase significantly.

3. Improper catheter care: After indwelling catheterization, nursing measures such as bladder flushing and urethral disinfection are required. If these care measures are not carried out in a timely and effective manner, bacteria may grow around the catheter, leading to urinary tract infection.

4. Damage to the tightness of the urinary tract: After the indwelling catheter, the tightness of the urinary tract is damaged, making it easier for bacteria to invade the urinary tract. At the same time, if the urine drainage system is not well sealed, or the urine bag is higher than the bladder, contaminated urine may flow back into the bladder, causing urinary tract infection.