Oral fleroxacin prophylaxis in transurethral surgery.

Abstract

A prospective trial was done to test the efficacy of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing transurethral surgery. A total of 75 adults with preoperatively sterile urine was randomized to receive either 400 mg. oral fleroxacin once daily or placebo as long as the catheter was in place. Urine cultures were obtained preoperatively and after removal of the catheter just before hospital discharge. Growth of 10(4)/ml. or more bacteria was considered a positive urine culture. Postoperative urinary tract infection rates were significantly lower in the fleroxacin group (3%) than in the placebo group (23%). Our study demonstrated the benefit of antimicrobial prophylaxis in preventing urinary tract infection after transurethral surgery, including resection of the prostate, in patients with sterile urine. The oral administration of 1 daily tablet of fleroxacin for the duration of catheterization is a safe, efficacious and clinically feasible regimen.