Relevance of the Urine Bacterial Culture Performed Before TransUrethral Resection of the Bladder for Post-operative Febrile Urinary Tract Infections Prevention: a Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
This research is focused on people having surgery for bladder cancer, called a TURB. Currently, doctors often do a urine test beforehand to check for hidden infections and give antibiotics if needed. This study wants to find out if skipping this routine urine test (and therefore not giving antibiotics unnecessarily) is just as safe as doing it. The main goal is to see if not doing the test leads to the same low number of feverish urine infections after surgery. This is important because reducing antibiotic use helps fight antibiotic resistance, where antibiotics stop working effectively. It aims to make sure patients get the best care while using antibiotics wisely.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people have surgery for bladder cancer, a common procedure is called Transurethral Resection of the Bladder, or TURB. Before this surgery, doctors usually check for infections in the urine, even if the patient doesn't have symptoms. If an infection is found, antibiotics are often given.
This study wants to challenge that routine. Doctors want to see if we can safely skip the urine test and not give antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. The reason for this is that while antibiotics are very important, using them too much can lead to problems like antibiotic resistance, where bacteria learn to fight off the drugs. Researchers want to know if skipping the routine test makes any difference to how many people get a feverish urine infection after their TURB surgery.
Current evidence suggests that serious infections after TURB are quite rare, and many infections that do happen are mild. Also, it’s not really clear if checking for hidden infections beforehand actually prevents these post-surgery problems. This study hopes to show that skipping the routine urine test is just as safe, potentially helping to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and improve care for bladder cancer patients.
Key takeaways
- This study compares two ways to prepare for bladder cancer surgery (TURB).
- It checks if skipping routine pre-surgery urine tests is as safe as doing them.
- The goal is to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and fight antibiotic resistance.
- It focuses on the risk of feverish urine infections after surgery.
- Participation will be for 30 days after your surgery.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and be scheduled for TURB surgery because your doctor suspects or has confirmed you have a bladder tumour. You must also be part of the social security scheme and agree to take part by signing a consent form.
However, you cannot join if you currently have an active bladder infection, or if you are planning to have other surgery at the same time as your TURB. If you've already been part of this specific study before, you won't be able to join again.
Special rules also apply to certain groups of people for their protection, such as those under 18, people in prison, those in care homes or under legal protection. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and women who could become pregnant but are not using effective birth control methods, are also not able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you having TURB surgery for bladder cancer?
- Do you currently have a social security scheme affiliation?
- Do you NOT have an active bladder infection right now?
- Are you able to provide written consent to join?
- Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding, and if female, using effective contraception?
What does participation involve?
This study focuses on a change in your pre-surgery routine, specifically whether you have a urine test before your TURB surgery. You would either have the standard urine culture (UC) or no routine UC before the procedure. The study looks at how many people get a feverish urine infection within 30 days after their surgery, so you would be monitored for this. There are no extra visits or medications involved beyond your standard care. The total duration of your participation would be 30 days after your surgery, during which any infections would be noted.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (15)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'AngersVerified postcodeAngers, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble AlpesVerified postcodeGrenoble, France
- Centre Hospitalier de Chartres - Hôpital Louis PasteurVerified postcodeLe Coudray, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de LilleVerified postcodeLille, France
- Hospices Civils de LyonVerified postcodeLyon, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille - Hôpital NordVerified postcodeMarseille, France
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Mont de Marsan et du Pays des SourcesVerified postcodeMont-de-Marsan, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes - Hotel DieuVerified postcodeNantes, France
- AP-HP - Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-SalpêtrièreVerified postcodeParis, France
- Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard-APHPVerified postcodeParis, France
- CHU Poitiers - Service de chirurgie urologiqueVerified postcodePoitiers, France
- Clinique la Croix du SudVerified postcodeQuint-Fonsegrives, France
Common questions
What is a TURB surgery?
TURB stands for Transurethral Resection of the Bladder. It's a common surgical procedure used to remove bladder tumours through the urethra, which is the tube you pee through.
What does 'non-inferiority' mean in this study?
It means the study wants to see if skipping the routine urine test (and antibiotics) is 'just as good as' or 'not worse than' doing the test, in terms of preventing infections after surgery.
Why is reducing antibiotic use important?
Using too many antibiotics, especially when they might not be needed, can lead to 'antibiotic resistance'. This means bacteria can learn to fight off the drugs, making infections harder to treat in the future.
Will I still be checked for infections after surgery?
Yes, regardless of the study, your medical team will monitor you for any signs of infection after your TURB surgery as part of your standard care.
What is a febrile UTI?
A febrile UTI is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes a fever, which means it’s a more significant infection than one without a fever.
How to find out more
Maxime VALLEE, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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