Introduction and Objectives
The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of various clinical parameters (number of shock wave lithotripsy [SWL] session, body mass index [BMI], patient age, gender and stone characteristics) with the pain perception during SWL procedure.
Material and Methods
According to our inclusion criteria, a total of 88 patients who underwent 165 SWL sessions for renal or ureteral stones in our institution were included. The degree of pain perception during the procedure was evaluated with 10-point visual analog scale.
Results
A significant p value was reached when a cut-off value for stone burden, was taken as 100 mm2. Mean pain scores during the SWL procedures were affected by gender and the number of SWL session. However, it was not affected by laterality, patient age, BMI, and location of stone.
Conclusions
In summary, it seems that patient comfort is better during a first SWL session for renal or ureteral stones with stone burden of less than 100 mm2. In addition, severity of pain during a SWL treatment may be better tolerated in male population.
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
