Infectious complications for the patient:
(1) cystitis
(2) pyelonephritis
(3) prostatitis or orchitis in males
(4) bacteremia/sepsis syndrome
(5) osteomyelitis, meningitis, etc (distant foci of infection)
Non-infectious complications for the patient:
(1) urethral strictures
(2) formation of encrusting deposits which can obstruct the lumen (associated with urease-producing bacteria)
(3) formation of stones in the bladder and/or renal pelvis
These complications result in increased morbidity and mortality for the patient.
Other consequences resulting from indwelling urinary catheters:
(1) development of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms
(2) increased health care costs
