Tamsulosin reduces the incidence of acute urinary retention following early removal of the urinary catheter after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Urology. 2003 Aug;62(2):287-91. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(03)00333-9.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of tamsulosin in preventing acute urinary retention following early catheter removal after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Methods: Between February 2000 and October 2000, cystography was performed on postoperative day 7 after radical retropubic prostatectomy by a single surgeon (group 1). Between September 2001 and August 2002, cystography was performed on postoperative day 8 after radical retropubic prostatectomy by the same surgeon (group 2). The protocol for performing cystography and assessment of extravasation was similar for both groups. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg was administered 3 days before and 4 days after cystography for all men in group 2.

Results: Of 179 cystograms in group 1, 135 (75%) revealed no extravasation, and the catheters were removed in 130 of these cases. Of 246 cystograms in group 2, 230 (93.5%) revealed no extravasation, and the catheters were removed in 229 of these cases. A significantly greater proportion of men in group 2 had no extravasation (P = 0.0007). The incidence of acute urinary retention in groups 1 and 2 was 10% and 2.6%, respectively (P = 0.0018). The incidence of anastomotic stricture was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions: Our data strongly suggest that tamsulosin significantly reduces the risk of acute urinary retention after attempts at early catheter removal following radical retropubic prostatectomy. Therefore, we recommend administering a 7-day course of tamsulosin therapy when attempting to remove the urinary catheter before postoperative day 8.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Cystoscopy / adverse effects
  • Cystoscopy / methods
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Care / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Care / methods
  • Prostatectomy / methods*
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use*
  • Tamsulosin
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Urinary Catheterization / methods
  • Urinary Retention / epidemiology
  • Urinary Retention / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Sulfonamides
  • Tamsulosin