Urinary bladder catheters are used for urinary drainage or as a
means to collect urine for measurement. Many clinical situations
are appropriate for the placement of indwelling urethral
catheters (table 1), but too frequently they are used without
proper indication or continued longer than needed . Daily
evaluation of the ongoing need for the indwelling catheters with
removal when no longer indicated is essential to reduce
complications. This topic will discuss the complications
associated with urinary catheter use. The indications for
placement, types, and the management of urinary catheters are
discussed in detail elsewhere. (See "Placement and management of
urinary bladder catheters".) Bacteriuria and urinary tract
infection — The presence of bacteria in the urine is almost
universal in patients with catheters in place for over one week.
Rates vary depending upon the type of catheter and duration of
use. The evaluation of bacteriuria and diagnosis of catheter-
associated urinary tract infection is discussed