Introduction

Cystoscopy is a common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in the pediatric population. However, the incidence of post-cystoscopic urinary tract infection (pcUTI) remains largely unexamined. This study evaluates the role of urinalysis and a history of previous urinary tract infection (UTI) as potential risk factors for pcUTI. It also analyzes the efficiency of the antibiotic treatment as prophylaxis for pcUTI.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of infants who underwent cystoscopic procedures at the Pediatric Surgery Department in Poznan between 2020 and 2024. The occurrence of post-cystoscopic UTI was recorded within 14 days after the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v.13.0.

Results

A total of 115 patients were analyzed (82% male, 18% female; median age: 5 months). A history of previous UTI was present in 29% of patients. Preprocedural urinalysis indicated signs of UTI in 21% of patients, of whom 67% received additional antibiotic treatment. Perioperative furazidine was administered to 57% of patients. Post-cystoscopic urinary tract infection occurred in 18 cases (17%). There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of pcUTI and a positive history of UTI or urinalysis findings suggestive of UTI prior to cystoscopy, regardless of additional antibiotic treatment. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed between patients who received perioperative furazidine and those who received perioperative antibiotics.

Conclusions

Preoperative urinalysis is not a sufficient predictor of the post-cystoscopic UTI risk. History of previous UTI is also insufficient as a predictor of pcUTI. Neither perioperative furazidine nor antibiotic therapy appears to be effective in preventing pcUTI in infants. Further studies are necessary for standardizing the indications and methods of prophylaxis.