Is blood in urine before surgery something to worry about?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 64 years old mom was recently diagnosed with ovarian cysts and is undergoing a hysterectomy plus oophorectomy two days later. During the same routine health checkup when her cysts were diagnosed, her urine report showed RBC of 6 to 8/hpf. Is this a possible UTI? And if it is, why should not our surgeon correct it before the operation? I asked him about it, and he said it would be taken care of when she gets admitted. I wonder why? I am particularly more worried about it because she also has a left artificial hip from the past two years which should not catch any infection. I remember her orthopedician asking for a urine culture a few days before her hip replacement and giving her antibiotics for the UTI immediately after that surgery. So, why is this surgeon not bothered to correct the UTI pre-operatively?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

RBC (red blood cells) in urine does not mean UTI (urinary tract infection). Pus cell in urine indicates UTI. Up to five pus cells per HPF are normal. 2 to 4 is in your case. So, it is not UTI. There are many causes of RBC in urine. Is she on any blood thinners, like Ecosprin (Aspirin) or Clopidogrel which can cause mild RBC in urine. So, that might be the cause and not UTI.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Relax and do not worry. By OVCA, do you mean ovarian cancer? We cannot predict OVCA until final biopsy report comes. OVCA will not cause blood in urine until it is a fairly advanced stage and infiltrating the urinary system, which is not your case. As per me, at present, she does not require anything more. You can repeat urine microscopy after six weeks to check if it is still persistent as it may also come intermittently from kidney in old age. Depending on the report further investigation may be required. So, please do not refer to the internet as it will only increase your anxiety and confusion. On a lighter note, trust your treating doctor.