Use of Tamsulosin to Reduce the Incidence and Duration of Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Spine Surgery

Phase 3

Terminated

Brief Summary: Postoperative urinary retention is a frequent complication of spinal surgeries and impacts a large portion of this population which results in increased morbidity as a result of increased number of catheterizations, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prolonged hospital stays. With the addition of Tamsulosin, the investigators would anticipate a reduction in the incidence and duration of postoperative urinary retention and therefore a reduction in morbidity related to treatment of urinary retention as well as shortened hospital stays.

Detailed Description: Decompressive laminectomy and spinal fusion procedures are among the most common neurosurgical procedures performed. Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a frequent complication of such surgeries and impacts a large proportion of this population resulting in multiple intermittent bladder catheterizations for bladder decompression, increased incidence of bacteremia, increased incidence of UTIs, and prolonged hospital stays. Use of a uroselective alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, such as tamsulosin, in the perioperative period (medication started five days prior to surgery and taken until hospital discharge) could reduce both the incidence and duration of postoperative urinary retention, resulting in shorter hospital stays and decreased healthcare costs.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo	Placebo	Participants randomized to this arm will receive a daily placebo capsule matching the active study drug from 5 days prior to the operation until hospital discharge.
Tamsulosin	Tamsulosin hydrochloride	Participants randomized to this arm will receive 0.4 mg/day tamsulosin hydrochloride from 5 days prior to the operation until hospital discharge.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Incidence of Postoperative Urinary Retention	participants will be followed for the duration of the hospital stay, an expected average of 5 days	Post operative urinary retention (POUR) will be defined as any of the following: 1) Estimated post-void residual (PVR) volume of urine greater than or equal to 300 mL; 2) Estimated retention urine volume of greater than or equal to 500 mL in patients unable to void; 3) Patients experiencing discomfort or distension and unable to void with lesser residual urine volume than 500 ml.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Duration of Postoperative Urinary Retention	participants will be followed for the duration of the hospital stay, an expected average of 5 days	The neurosurgical team will decide if an indwelling urinary catheter will be used. Time of indwelling catheter removal after surgery will serve as time zero for beginning calculation of postoperative urinary retention duration if the patient later requires in and out straight catheterization. For patients without an indwelling catheter, the time patients leave the operating room will serve as time zero. Urinary retention will be considered resolved after two consecutive post-void residual urine scans have demonstrated less than 300 ml residual urine volume in a patient spontaneously voiding.