Urologic Devices: Infection and Encrustation

Urologic devices are prone to infection and encrustation, increasing the risk of causing morbidity in patients and causing challenges to treating physicians. Despite much research into the area no device has been manufactured that is immune to the effects of biofilm formation and subsequent complications. In this chapter we review the pathogenesis of biofilms and crystallization along with the clinical significance of infection and encrustation of urologic devices. Insight into the urinary microbiome and its potential impact on devices is also discussed.