Trends in diagnostic workup and surgical management for recurrent urinary tract infections at a large tertiary teaching hospital

Abstract

Objective:

There is little existing literature describing the evaluation and treatment of patients referred to surgical subspecialities for recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). We hypothesised female patients referred to urology and urogynaecology for rUTI undergo multiple diagnostic tests and few would undergo surgery.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective review of female patients referred to urology or urogynaecology at a single institution between 2016 and 2019. Data on demographics, provider speciality, diagnostic tests performed, and surgeries were abstracted. Descriptive statistics were used and a logistic regression was performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio of undergoing a surgery.

Results:

A total of 990 patients were included with a mean age of 62 and on average underwent 3.7 different testing modalities, including genitourinary (GU) examination (62.3%), urodynamic testing (72.7%), cystoscopy (66.0%), and imaging (70.7%). Urologists more commonly pursued urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, and imaging than urogynaecologists. Ultimately, 21.4% of all patients underwent a surgical procedure. Patients who were seen by urogynaecology, underwent GU examination, urodynamic testing, or cystoscopy had higher likelihoods of eventually undergoing surgery (procedure under anaesthesia).

Conclusion:

Female rUTI patients referred to urology or urogynaecology undergo considerable evaluation and testing. The majority of patients are ultimately managed medically rather than surgically, indicating continued need for resource stewardship.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable.