Comparing lidocaine and saline for urinary retention after midurethral sling surgery

The Impact of Retropubic Lidocaine vs Saline on Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Midurethral Sling: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional West Penn Allegheny Health System · NCT03913845

This study is testing whether using lidocaine instead of saline after midurethral sling surgery can help women avoid urinary retention and feel better afterward.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexFemale
SponsorWest Penn Allegheny Health System Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03913845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of retropubic lidocaine versus normal saline on the incidence of postoperative urinary retention in women undergoing midurethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence. The study will compare the rates of failed retrograde voiding trials between the two groups, hypothesizing that lidocaine will result in lower urinary retention rates. Additionally, it will assess postoperative pain levels and patient satisfaction through various assessments conducted in the days following surgery. The trial will involve a standardized approach to measure outcomes and gather data on narcotic use and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 years or older who are English-speaking and competent to give consent.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to local anesthetics or those with preoperative voiding dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative outcomes and reduced urinary retention rates for women undergoing midurethral sling surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar interventions, but the specific comparison of lidocaine versus saline in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* English speaking
* Competent to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* A known intolerance or allergic reaction to local anesthetics
* Planned spinal anesthesia for the procedure
* Planned concomitant prolapse repair other than anterior repair
* Preoperative voiding dysfunction as evidenced by a postvoid residual (PVR) of 150 mL or greater.

Where this trial is running

Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stress Urinary Incontinence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.