Prospective evaluation of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to cystometrogram and/or cystogram studies: oral versus intramuscular routes.

OBJECTIVE To compare empiric single-dose gentamicin versus culture-specific oral antibiotics as prophylaxis before cystometrogram and/or cystogram. Comparisons with regards to infection, patient preference, and cost were made. DESIGN Prospective randomized control trial. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation hospital. PATIENTS Seventy received oral antibiotics and 72 received intramuscular gentamicin. INTERVENTION Cystometrograms and/or cystograms were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Patient interviewed and chart reviewed for infection. Convenience and comfort were rated by patient. RESULTS Oral antibiotics and gentamicin have similar efficacy. Patients rated the gentamicin more convenient (p < .001) and comfortable (p < .01) than oral antibiotics. Gentamicin is less expensive. CONCLUSION Gentamicin should be used as the method of choice for cystometrogram/cystogram prophylaxis.