The impact of urinary catheterization on urinary tract infection and renal function in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Study Summary

150 patients aged over 65 years undergoing surgery for proximal femur fractures were randomized to receive an indwelling urinary catheter or no routine urinary catheterization. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI). Secondary outcomes included renal function, assessed through serum urea and creatinine levels, preoperative fluid intake, frequency of diaper changes, and pain during diaper changes. Outcomes were assessed during the perioperative period, with renal function measured on postoperative day 1 and urine cultures obtained on postoperative day 2 or after catheter removal. Overall, the results revealed no significant difference in postoperative UTI rates between groups, although postoperative creatinine levels were significantly higher among patients without urinary catheters. These findings suggested that short-term urinary catheterization did not significantly increase UTI risk and might help preserve renal function in selected older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.