Prevention of Post‐Hysterectomy Urinary Retention by Alpha‐Adrenergic Blocker

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Abstract
Micturition difficulties and urinary retention are common complications after abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. Adrenergic receptors are located in the bladder neck and proximal urethra, and blocking these receptors with .alpha.-blockers such as phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline) may improve micturition and prevent postoperative urinary retention. In a randomized clinical trial, 51 patients who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, received a prophylactic dose of Dibenzyline 10 .mu.g orally 6-8 h after operation and again the next day about 18 h later. Only 2 of the 51 patients had urinary retention, in comparison with 9 of 48 patients in the control group (P < 0.05). Another group of patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy were treated according to the same protocol. Eight of the 30 patients in this study group required catheterization to drain the overdistended bladder, in comparison with 16-26 patients in the control group (P < 0.025). Prophylactic treatment with Dibenzyline could be recommended after abdominal hysterectomy or vaginal operation to improve micturition and prevent urinary retention.

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