Bacteriuria in closed bladder drainage versus continuous irrigation in patients undergoing intracavitary radium for treatment of gynecologic cancer

A randomized evaluation of the risk of developing bacteriuria in catheterized patients undergoing their first intracavitary radium insertion for treatment of gynecologic cancer showed no significant difference in bacteriuria when catheter management by continuous neosporin bladder irrigation was compared to closed catheter drainage. This latter method of catheter bladder drainage was simpler to manage and required less nursing and pharmacy support with a smaller cost to the patient.