The prophylactic role of tamsulosin in preventing of postoperative urinary retention in rectal cancer patients

Abstract Purpose We designed a prospective study to evaluate the efficiency of tamsulosin, a selective alpha adrenergic antagonist, on development of postoperative urinary retention. Methods A total of 100 rectal cancer patients who underwent elective surgery in Department of Surgery of Tehran university Hospital, were included in this study. Patients were classified into one of two groups. In control group, the patients were not received tamsulosin. Patients in tamsulosin group were prescribed 0.4 mg of tamsulosin orally, 14 hours and 2 hours before surgery and postoperatively until patient is discharged orally. Results 47 patients were included in control group and 53 in tamsulosin group. Although the incidence of postoperative urinary retention was lower in the tamsulosin group than other (11.32% vs 17.02%), but no significant difference was found (p = 0.24). Conclusions This prospective study showed that tamsulosin at 0.4 mg/day does not prevent postoperative urinary retention in rectal cancer patients.