Bacterial colonization of double J stents and bacteriuria frequency

Stents and catheters are widely used in urology. In our study the frequency of double J stent (DJS) colonization and stent associated bacteriuria is investigated. Between June 2000-April 2001, 61 patients (17-72 years old) to whom DJ stenting was done (5 of them bilateral) were included in this study. Stone extraction/lithotripsy, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), open urolithiazis surgery and hydronephrosis were the indications. Sterile urine samples were obtained prior to stenting. Patients were clinically followed and after the treatment DJ stents were removed after having urinary cultures via the cystoscope. DJS cultures were also made. DJS indwelling times were between 15-90 days (52.5 +/- 8.6). In 3 female, 8 male totally 11 patients bacterial colonizations were observed. In 10 of them both stent and urinary cultures were positive, and showed identical microorganisms; 80% E. Coli, 10% E. Coli+ Candida, 10% Klebsiella. Our infection rate of DJS and urine is 18% which is not very high. Routine DJS cultures are not needed as the same microorganisms grow in urine cultures. No age or sex relation to the infections is found. Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective in preventing clinically ouvert infectious diseases.