Antibiotic Stewardship in Urology

INTRODUCTION: An increase in antibiotic resistance and a decrease in the production of new antimicrobials have created a difficult problem for our health care system. METHODS: We review issues associated with antibiotic stewardship, which refers to organized processes aimed at measuring and optimizing the use of antimicrobials to decrease toxicity and resistance and improve outcomes. RESULTS: Urologists are in a unique position to implement these programs given that the genitourinary tract is a common source of infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this article we discuss particularly relevant infectious problems in urology and highlight the need for antibiotic stewardship in our field.