Preventing urinary retention after thoracic surgery in older men

Post-operative Urinary Retention (POUR) Following Thoracic Surgery

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Hackensack Meridian Health · NCT03609580

This study tests if giving Tamsulosin before and after thoracic surgery can help older men avoid urinary retention and the need for catheters.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment127 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorHackensack Meridian Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hackensack, New Jersey)
Trial IDNCT03609580 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to reduce the incidence of post-operative urinary retention (POUR) in older men undergoing thoracic surgery by administering Tamsulosin (Flomax) before and after the procedure. The medication is intended to relax the prostate and improve urinary flow, potentially preventing the need for uncomfortable catheterization. The study will involve male participants aged 50 and older who are scheduled for minimally invasive thoracic surgeries. The effectiveness of Tamsulosin will be evaluated by comparing the rates of urinary retention in those receiving the medication versus standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are males aged 50 and older who are scheduled for minimally invasive thoracic surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who are already using Flomax, have certain medical conditions, or have undergone prostate surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce urinary retention complications, leading to improved patient comfort and shorter hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have indicated that pre-operative use of medications like Tamsulosin can be effective in reducing urinary retention, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Males

≥50 years old Planned surgical procedure of a minimally invasive thoracic surgical procedure (wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, pleural biopsy, or pleurodesis) Surgery scheduled more than 3 days from the time of consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Using Flomax already
* Allergy to Flomax or sulfa drugs
* Current use of alpha blockers or alpha agonists
* Resting systolic blood pressure \<100
* Orthostatic hypotension of \>20mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) Systolic and/or 10mm Hg diastolic pressure from sitting to standing (after 2 minutes of standing) as measured at the time of consent
* Known diagnosis of congestive heart failure and valvular heart disease
* History of prostate surgery (prostatectomy, trans-urethral resection)

Where this trial is running

Hackensack, New Jersey

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 Urinary Retentionpost operative urinary retentioninability to urinateurinary retentionslung cancerVATsRobotic Lung Surgerylung resections
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.