I am typing this from a hospital computer where my Dad is due to a
recurring MRSA UTI presumed to be from long-term catheterization(Since
March '05).
It has gotten to the point where his nursing home is suggesting we
contact hospice because they feel that any time now his infection could
become unstoppable. They seem less interested in pursuing remedies and
prefer to "make him comfortable".
We are not ready for this and want to see if a procedure could rid him
of the catheter and thus the main cause of infection.
Surprisingly, he had not had a bladder function test until we asked for
one recently. He seems to have adequate bladder function. The current
Uro suggests TURP but tehre are concerns about morbidity. We are
learning of other options like Laser-TURP, TUNA, TUMT etc. We have
heard varying opinions on the efficacy of the less invasive techniques
like TUMT. Some have said new versions are working on folks with
retention even after lonfg-term catheterization. some have said that
some uros use TUMT because they make more money off the procedure. But
then..this is from a Uro that doesn't have the equipment to do TUMT.
so..it's hard to know when one is getting objective information.
As I peruse Pubmed, I see varying assesments on the various options.
And I don't see much in terms of how treatments differ regarding risk
of severe infection..of special interest in Dad's case.
If anyone has thoughts or experiences reagarding this, please post. I
can also be reached at richreilly at hotmail dot com.