Management of lower urinary tract infections and cystitis.

It is possible to understand the pathophysiology, diagnostic laboratory methodology, and appropriate medical and surgical management of urinary tract infections in today's modern medical world. The foundation of success lies within an appropriate determination of the presence of mitigating complications, careful documentation of invading organisms, and judicious selection and administration of modern antimicrobial agents. Virtually all urinary tract infections begin in the lower system through bacterial exposure and adherence phenomena, creating simple uncomplicated infections in otherwise healthy hosts and serious complicated infections in others. Not all bacteriuria should be treated, and not all infections should be treated equally; knowing the difference is the secret.