Clinical Trials

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.