The role of peri-operative use of alpha-blocker in preventing lower urinary tract symptoms in high risk patients of urinary retention undergoing inguinal hernia repair in males above 50 years.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and groin hernia increase with rising age. Straining in itself is an important aetiology of inguinal hernia. Posthernioplasty retention of urine is one of the most significant complications. The aims of this study are to know the prevalence of signifi- cant LUTS in men > 50 years (n = 200) undergoing inguinal hernia surgery, to identify the high-risk patients for posthernioplasty urinary retention and to assess the role of peri-operative use of alpha- blocker in reducing the incidence of postoperative urinary retention in these patients. This study was performed at RKMSP Hospital, Kolkata from August 2005 to January 2008. All findings were docu- mented. Prevalence of significant LUTS above 50 years undergoing inguinal hernioplasty was found to be 48% (96 out of 200). Out of 96 patients who had International Prostate Symptoms Score>7, 48 patients had maximal urine flow (Qmax) < 10 ml/second and postvoid residual urine > 100 ml, 48 patients belonged to high risk group for postoperative retention of urine. Incidence of postoperative retention of urine among high risk group among tamsulosin users was only 3(12.5%) out of 24 patients and among tamsulosin non-users was 10(41.6%) out of another 24 patients. Therefore, we concluded that among male patients > 50 years of age (undergoing groin hernia surgery) prevalence of significant LUTS increases per decade. We also concluded that tamsulosin is important for alleviation of LUTS and is quite effective for prevention of postoperative retention of urine and helpful for early discharge of patients.