Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin Is Among the 15% of Men Who Get a UTI After Prostate Cancer Surgery – How You Can Avoid This Complication

In December, Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He underwent prostatectomy, a procedure that involves the complete or partial removal of the prostate and nearby lymph nodes.

An official Pentagon statement issued after the fact said he had recovered uneventfully from his surgery and was discharged from the hospital the morning after his procedure. (He returned to work yesterday after more than a month of treatment.)

Austin returned by ambulance to Walter Reed in early January after complaining of symptoms including nausea with severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain. An evaluation revealed a urinary tract infection (UTI) and he was admitted to intensive care for further treatment.

Austin was among the 10-15% of men who develop a UTI when they have a catheter inserted before or during their procedure. While he tried to keep his treatment under wraps, now that it’s out in the open, his experience can help raise awareness about the potential complications of prostate cancer surgery and the importance of staying on top of post-operative care.

What causes a UTI after prostate surgery?

A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into your bladder through your urethra, the structure that carries urine out of your body. It can help you urinate more easily after surgery.

But a catheter also ups the risk of complications like UTIs.

A UTI develops when bacteria that has built up in the catheter causes inflammation and pain in the bladder or kidneys. Left untreated, a UTI can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that damages the organs.

Catheters also increase the risk of bladder spasms and injury to the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. They also increase the possibility of bleeding, narrowing, or scarring of the urethra, as well as developing hard, painful mineral deposits known as bladder stones.

How do you prevent UTIs after prostate cancer surgery?

To lower the risk of getting a UTI, it is really important to follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions to the letter. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends the following:

• Drink plenty of water. This helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract to keep it clean and infection-free.
• Keep your genital area clean and dry. Wash gently before and after using the bathroom to reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
• Practice good catheter maintenance. If you have had a catheter inserted, make sure it’s maintained and removed by a professional using sterile techniques to minimize infection risks.
• Avoid foods and drinks that irritate the bladder. Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can all cause problems.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions. That’s the best way to increase the chances of a smooth recovery with fewer complications. Your doctor will monitor you closely after prostate surgery to catch and address UTIs early. This will include regular follow-ups, urine tests, and education on recognizing symptoms.

What are the signs of a UTI?

UTIs occur when bacteria cause inflammation and pain in your bladder or kidneys.

Symptoms may include:

• A burning feeling when you pee
• A frequent or intense urge to pee, even though little comes out when you do
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)
• Pain or pressure in your lower belly, back, or side

What should you do if you think you may have a UTI?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a UTI can be serious, especially if it spreads to other parts of your body. If you suspect you are getting a UTI, contact your healthcare team without delay.

Follow any and all treatments your doctor prescribes, including taking antibiotics, to help manage the infection effectively. Keeping the wound clean around your surgical incision is also really important for recovery.

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