Simple pill before joint surgery may spare men from catheter

NCT ID NCT03808155

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether taking tamsulosin, a drug used for bladder problems, before hip or knee replacement surgery could prevent urinary retention (inability to pee) afterward. 170 men took either tamsulosin or a placebo for five days before and two days after surgery. The main goal was to see if fewer men in the tamsulosin group needed a catheter within 48 hours after the operation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

tamsulosin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple way to prevent a common complication after joint replacement surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed Phase 4 trial. The drug may not reduce retention risk significantly, and it can cause side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, knee Urinary Retention

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kantonsspital Graubünden

    Chur, Kanton Graubünden, 7000, Switzerland