Impact of patient's self-viewing of flexible cystoscopy on pain using a visual analog scale in a randomized controlled trial

Zystoskopien in der urologischen Praxis – was muss ich beachten?

Die Urethrozystoskopie ist ein wichtiges diagnostisches Werkzeug zur Abklärung des unteren Harntraktes. Die Standardzystoskopie (Weißlicht) wird fortwährend weiterentwickelt, moderne Endoskope und Videosysteme stehen zur Verfügung. Unterstützende Verfahren wie die photodynamische Diagnostik (PDD), narrow band imaging (NBI) oder digitale Kontrastverstärkungen verbessern die Detektionsrate von Blasentumoren. Besondere Bedeutung im Praxisalltag haben eine korrekte Indikationsstellung, die sorgfältige Vorbereitung und Aufklärung der Patienten und eine fachliche Expertise bei der Durchführung der Untersuchung, um Beschwerden und Komplikationen zu minimieren und zielführende Befunde zu erheben. Die Hygieneanforderung an Aufbereitung und Infrastruktur werden derzeit im Vergütungssystem nicht adäquat abgebildet. Technische Bildverarbeitung und Systeme mit künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) haben das Potential den Urologen bereits während der Untersuchung zu unterstützen.

Virtual Reality as a distraction therapy during cystoscopy: a clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

to investigate whether virtual reality (VR) experience is associated with decreased pain sensation among patients who undergo rigid cystoscopy under local anesthesia.

METHODS

we performed a prospective, randomized, controlled study of 159 patients who were aleatorily enrolled into two groups: VR and control. VR experience intervention consisted of using a headset with a smartphone adapted to a virtual reality glasses where an app-video was played during the procedure. Main outcomes analyzed were pain, discomfort, heart rate variability, difficulty and duration of the cystoscopy. Statistical analyses were performed using a Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square test. A P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

among 159 patients studied (VR group=80 patients; control group=79 patients), the mean age was 63,6 years and 107 (67,3%) were male. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. VR was significantly associated to decreased heart rate variability (6,29 vs 11,09 bpm, P<0,001) and lower duration of the procedure (5,33 vs 8,65 min, P<0,001). Also, when cystoscopies due to double-J extraction were excluded, VR experience was associated with reduced pain on the visual analog score of pain (3,26 vs 4,33 cm, P=0,023).

CONCLUSIONS

the use of VR as a distraction therapy while performing outpatient cystoscopies is safe, has no side effects, is associated with less pain and discomfort, and reduces length of procedure.

The impact of watching real-time videos of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy on anxiety and depression in patients

PURPOSE

This study examines the effect of intraoperative doctor-patient communication with real-time videos in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy on patients' anxiety and depression.

METHODS

Patients with upper urinary tract calculi were randomised into four groups. Group A (n = 29) watched the real-time operation video, but did not accept the relevant explanation during the operation; Group B (n = 31) received an explanation about the operation process during the operation alone. Patients in Group C (n = 33) watched the real-time operation video and received an explanation about the operation process during the operation. Group D (n = 31) neither watched the operation video nor received an explanation about the operation process. The self-rated anxiety and depression scores of the patients were evaluated using the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and the self-rating depression scale (SDS) before and after the operation.

RESULTS

The clinical and demographic profiles (average age, gender distribution, educational level, body mass index, stone size, the position of stones in each groups, the length of stayand the numbers of severe postoperative complications) of the for groups showed no preoperation difference (P > 0.05). The preoperative anxiety scores and the preoperative depression scores showed no significant difference in the four groups (P > 0.05). The scores of postoperative anxiety and depression in groups A (n = 29), B (n = 31), and C (n = 33) were significantly lower than those in Group D (n = 31), (P < 0. 05). Compared to groups A and B, the scores of anxiety and depression in Group C were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

During flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy, doctor-patient communication combined with real-time video can significantly reduce patients' postoperative anxiety and depression, and contribute to their physical and mental health recovery.

A Realidade Virtual como terapia de distração durante cistoscopias: um ensaio clínico

RESUMO Objetivos: investigar se a experiência de realidade virtual (RV) está associada à diminuição da dor em pacientes submetidos à cistoscopia rígida sob anestesia local. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado de 159 pacientes que foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: RV e controle. A intervenção da experiência de RV consistiu no uso de óculos de realidade virtual com smartphone adaptado e fones de ouvido, onde um vídeo foi reproduzido durante o procedimento. Os principais desfechos analisados foram dor, desconforto, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, dificuldade e duração da cistoscopia. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o teste t de Student, o teste de Mann-Whitney e o teste do qui-quadrado. Um P<0,05 foi considerado como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: entre os 159 pacientes estudados (grupo RV=80; grupo controle=79), a média de idade foi 63,6 anos e 107 (67,3%) eram do sexo masculino. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas características basais entre os grupos. A RV foi significativamente associada à menor variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (6,29 vs 11,09 bpm, P<0,001) e menor duração do procedimento (5,33 vs 8,65 min, P<0,001). Além disso, quando cistoscopias devido à extração de duplo J foram excluídas, a RV foi associada à redução da dor na escala visual analógica (3,26 vs 4,33cm, P=0,023). Conclusões: o uso da RV como terapia de distração durante a realização de cistoscopias ambulatoriais é seguro, não tem efeitos colaterais, está associado a menos dor e desconforto e reduz a duração do procedimento.

Pain reduction methods during transurethral cystoscopy

Transurethral cystoscopy (CS) is a common urological procedure, performed mostly for diagnostic but also for therapeutic purposes. Although CS is generally well tolerated, some patients describe the pain related to the procedure as high or even “unbearable”. As a result, many patients fear and avoid both primary and/or follow-up cystoscopies. This may lead to uncontrolled progression of neoplastic disease. Therefore, it is crucial to maximally increase the comfort of the patient and to implement safe and effective analgesia before the procedure. Providing the patients with appropriate care during CS can encourage them to comply with diagnostic schedules and improve their prognosis. The aim of this review is to analyze the available literature on various methods of pain reduction during transurethral CS. The PubMed electronic database limited to English articles published until January 2021 was used in the process. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, prospective randomized studies, multicenter comparisons, reviews and retrospective comparisons were used. As a result, 65 articles were included in this review.

Does Watching a Relaxing Video During Cystoscopy Affect Pain and Anxiety Levels of Female Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Cystoscopy is noted to be more painful in men. Research has been done to support the use of video in men to reduce pain; it would follow that video would be useful in reducing pain in women as well.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy on the pain and anxiety levels of female patients.

DESIGN

The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, controlled, nonblinded trial.

SETTING

This study was carried out in the cystoscopy unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty female patients aged 18 years and older undergoing rigid cystoscopy for the first time and under local anesthesia.

METHODS

The participants were randomized into two equal groups: video and control. Data were collected with Visual Analog Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and hemodynamic parameters.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pain levels during and after cystoscopy (p < .001). Pain levels were significantly lower in the video group during and after the procedure. A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups in terms of anxiety levels before and after cystoscopy (p < .05). Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the video group after the procedure. Satisfaction levels were higher in the video group (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

According to this study, watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy had a positive effect on pain, anxiety, satisfaction levels, and hemodynamic parameters of the patients.

Pain and anxiety assessment during cystourethroscopy in males using voiding instruction: A prospective, randomized controlled study

Introduction

Office cystourethroscopy is one of the common and most frequent urological procedures. Pain and anxiety during the procedure might lead to noncompliance and incomplete cystoscopic examination. Negotiating cystoscope through external sphincter is the most painful and uncomfortable distressing part of cystoscopy. To overcome this, manual compression of irrigation bag during cystoscopy has been used and found to be helpful. Numerous other methods were also studied. Despite these, cystoscopy is still painful and causes anxiety in patients. External sphincter gets relaxed naturally during the act of micturition. Based on this principle, pain and anxiety were studied with voiding instruction during cystourethroscopy.

Objective

To study the effect of voiding instruction on anxiety and pain during cystourethroscopy using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and visual analogue scale (VAS), in a well-matched Eastern Indian male patient population in a prospective, randomized pattern.

Methods

A total of 100 male patients were recruited from those who underwent cystourethroscopy examination in SSKM Hospital and were prospectively randomized into two groups: cystoscopy with or without voiding instruction. Pre- and postprocedure HAM-A score and postprocedure VAS score were recorded.

Results

The mean postprocedural pain (VAS) score between voiding instructed and noninstructed groups reached statistical significance: 3.06 ± 1.98 (Range, 2-5) and 5.16 ± 2.86 (Range, 4-8), respectively (P < 0.001). Preprocedure HAM-A score was similar between both groups. Postprocedure median HAM-A score was statistically significantly lower (mean 17.86 ± 2.8 vs. 19.76 ± 3.12; P < 0.001) in voiding instructed group.

Conclusion

Pain and anxiety level during cystourethroscopy examination in males can be significantly reduced when the patient is instructed to void during cystourethroscopy examination.

Cystoscopy Real-Time Self-Visualization and Its Impact in Patient's Pain Perception

OBJECTIVES

To determine if self-visualization of ambulatory cystoscopy provides a decrease in pain perception in male and female patients.

METHODS

A quasi-randomized controlled trial involving patients scheduled for ambulatory cystoscopy from August to November 2017. The indications were: hematuria, bladder cancer surveillance, lower urinary tract symptoms, and incontinence. The patients were quasi-randomized into two groups by scheduled date. Both groups received the same explanation before and during cystoscopy. The variables analyzed were gender, age, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, number of previous cystoscopies, and indication and positivity of the test for bladder neoplasia. All patients were analyzed by group and gender separately. The statistical tests used were: Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression.

RESULTS

Four hundred four patients were included (318 males and 86 females) and divided into two groups, group A (no self-visualization, n = 239) and group B (self-visualization, n = 165). In males, mean VAS score was 2.6 for group A and 2.5 for group B (p = 0.276); in females, VAS score was 2.78 for group A and 1.64 for group B (p = 0.008). Regarding the remaining variables analyzed, neither positivity of the test for neoplasia (p = 0.14) nor cystoscopy indication (p = 0.597) had any influence. In patients with two or more previous cystoscopies, a reduction in mean VAS score was seen in both genders. In males having their first cystoscopy the mean VAS score was 3.1 and decreased to 2.1 for the third or more (p = 0.001); in females the mean VAS score was 2.89 for the first and 1.56 for the third or more (p = 0.02), although this benefit tended to disappear when the number of previous cystoscopies was taken into account.

CONCLUSION

In male patients, self-visualization of cystoscopy did not impact pain perception, while in female patients, it seemed to provide a benefit. The number of previous cystoscopies had an influence, diminishing the perception of pain, regardless of whether the patient visualized the procedure or not.

Distraction during cystoscopy to reduce pain and increase satisfaction: Randomized control study between real-time visualization versus listening to music versus combined music and real-time visualization

Purpose:

This study aims to compare the various distraction methods used during office cystoscopy to decrease pain and dissatisfaction among patients.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred patients undergoing rigid cystoscopy between January 2017 and July 2017 were randomized into four groups of 50 patients: (1) Group I: Patients who listened to music during the cystoscopy, (2) Group II: Patients allowed real-time visualization of the cystoscopy, (3) Group III: Patients who listened to music and had real-time visualization of the procedure, (4) Group IV: Control group undergoing cystoscopy without any distraction used. A visual analog scale (VAS) (1–10) was used for a self-assessment of pain, satisfaction, and willingness for repeat cystoscopy.

Results:

Demographic characteristics, mean age, procedure duration, and procedure indications were statistically similar between the four groups. The mean VAS pain score were significantly lower in the three study Groups (I, II, and III) where distraction methods were used during cystoscopies as compared to the control Group IV (P < 0.001) and the satisfaction VAS scores and VAS scores for willingness to undergo a repeat procedure were significantly higher in the study groups (P < 0.001). Statistically significant decreased postprocedural pulse rate and blood pressure in comparison with to their preprocedural values were observed when distraction methods were used (P < 0.01). Patients undergoing cystoscopies listening to music and real-time visualization (Group III) had better VAS scores than the others (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Distraction methods reduce pain and increase satisfaction among patients. Best results are with combined listening to music and direct real-time visualization.

Cost-effectiveness of surveillance schedules in older adults with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of surveillance schedules for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) amongst older adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We developed a MIcrosimulation SCreening ANalysis (MISCAN) microsimulation model to compare the cost-effectiveness of various surveillance schedules (every 3 months to every 24 months, for 2, 5 or 10 years or lifetime) for older adults (aged 65-85 years) with NMIBC. For each surveillance schedule we calculated total costs per patient and the number of quality adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), as incremental costs per QALY gained, were calculated using a 3% discount.

RESULTS

As age increased, the number of QALYs gained per patient decreased substantially. Surveillance of patients aged 65 years resulted in 2-7 QALYs gained, whereas surveillance at age 85 years led to <1 QALY gained. The total costs of the surveillance schedules also decreased as age increased. The ICER of 6-monthly surveillance at age 65 years for lifetime was $4999 (American dollars)/QALY gained. Amongst patients aged >75 years, the incremental yield of QALY gains for any increase in surveillance frequency and/or duration was quite modest (<2 QALYs gained).

CONCLUSION

With increasing age, surveillance for recurrences leads to substantially fewer QALYs gained. These data support age-specific surveillance recommendations for patients treated for NMIBC.

Effect of diclofenac suppository on pain control during flexible cystoscopy-A randomized controlled trial

TRIAL DESIGN: To compare the difference in pain score during flexible cystoscopy between patients undergoing the procedure with plain lubricating gel  only and plain gel with diclofenac suppository in a randomized control trial.

METHODS:  A total of 60 male patients with an indication of flexible cystoscopy were enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled study. Patients were randomized in two groups. In group “A”, patients received diclofenac suppository one hour prior to the procedure while group “B” did not receive diclofenac suppository. Both groups received 10 ml of intra-urethral  plain gel for lubrication during flexible cystoscopy. Pain score was recorded immediately after the procedure using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Pre- and post-procedure pulse rate and systolic blood pressure was also recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test and student t-test. Regression analysis was performed to address the confounding variables.

RESULTS: Both groups were comparable for variables including age, duration of procedure, level of operating surgeon and indication of procedure. Most common indication for flexible cystoscopy was removal of double J stent. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean pain score between two groups ( p = 0.012).  The difference in post-procedure mean pulse rate in the two groups was statistically significant ( p= 0.01) however there was no difference observed in mean post procedure systolic blood pressure. Regression analysis showed that none of the confounding variables were significantly affecting pain perception.

CONCLUSIONS: Intra rectal diclofenac suppository is simple and effective pre-emptive analgesia. We recommend its routine use during flexible cystoscopy for better pain control.

Exploring the Impact of Intraoperative Interventions for Pain and Anxiety Management During Local Anesthetic Surgery-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of audiovisual and relaxation-based intraoperative interventions for their impact on intraoperative pain and anxiety.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The following databases were searched for articles published between 1990 and January 2014: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Twenty randomized trials meeting the following inclusion criteria were included; adult participants undergoing elective outpatient surgery under local anesthetic using a form of distraction-based intraoperative intervention for the management of anxiety and pain.

FINDING

Thirty percent of studies reviewed found that intraoperative interventions improved patient experience in comparison to treatment as usual, 20% of studies were inconclusive, and 50% of studies found that interventions during surgery provided no benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Both relaxation-based and audiovisual interventions were found to be efficacious for pain and anxiety management during surgery under local anesthetic. This review indicates that relaxation-based interventions could be more effective than audiovisual interventions for managing intraoperative anxiety.

Does visualisation during urethrocystoscopy provide pain relief? Results of an observational study

Background

To measure the effects of real-time visualisation during urethrocystoscopy on pain in patients who underwent ambulatory urethrocystoscopy.

Methods

An observational study was designed. From June 2012 to June 2013 patients who had ambulatory urethrocystoscopy participated in the study. In order to measure pain perception we used a numeric rating scale (NRS) 0 to 10. Additional data was collected including gender, reason for intervention, use of a rigid or a flexible instrument and whether the patient had had urethrocystoscopy before.

Results

185 patients were evaluated. 125 patients preferred to watch their urethrocystoscopy on a real-time video screen, 60 patients did not. There was no statistically relevant difference in pain perception between those patients who watched their urethrocystoscopy on a real-time video screen and those who did not (p = 0.063). However, men who were allowed to watch their flexible urethrocystoscopy experienced significantly less pain, than those who did not (p = 0.007). No such effects could be measured for rigid urethrocystoscopy (p = 0.317). Furthermore, women experienced significantly higher levels of pain during the urethrocystoscopy than men (p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Visualisation during urethrocystoscopy procedures in general does not significantly decrease pain in patients. Nevertheless, men who undergo flexible urethrocystoscopy should be offered to watch their procedure in real-time on a video screen. To make urethrocystoscopy less painful for both genders, especially for women, should be subject to further research.

Pressure Makes Pleasure: A Preliminary Study of Increasing Irrigation Pressure of Flexible Cystoscopy Improves Male Patient Comfort by an Easy Way

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of increasing irrigation pressure when performing flexible cystoscopy for male patients on visual analog scale pain scores.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 168 male patients admitted to our clinic for flexile cystoscopy by the same urologist between March 2011 and December 2012 were randomized to three equal groups, each of which had 56 patients. Different irrigation pressures were easily achieved by adjusting the height of irrigation solution bag (1000 mL of 0.9% saline). The height difference between the bag and the bed (for cystoscopy) of group 1, 2, and 3 was 80, 100, and 150 cm, respectively. All patients received 10 mL lidocaine gel for 3 minutes for local anesthesia before flexible cystoscopy. Patients' pain feeling was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10 after the cystoscopy. The duration of the procedure for each patient was also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean pain score on VAS was 2.95±1.31, 2.48±1.26, and 1.66±1.00 in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Compared to group 1 and 2, the mean pain score was significantly lower in group 3 (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test), and the mean pain score in group 2 was statistically significantly lower than that in group 1 (p=0.045, Mann-Whitney U-test). Patients who were with high irrigation pressure experienced less discomfort at cystoscopy. Patient age and duration of the procedure for each group were comparable.

CONCLUSION

Achieving higher irrigation pressure for flexible cystoscopy by adjusting the height of irrigation solution bag improves male patients' comfort. It is recommended for male patients.

Is diagnostic cystoscopy painful? Analysis of 1,320 consecutive procedures

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate self-reported pain levels associated with diagnostic cystoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent diagnostic cystoscopy and subsequently graded their pain level during the procedure were enrolled. Pain was graded on a Likert visual analog scale (VAS) of 1-10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = excruciating unbearable pain. Local lidocaine gel 2% was used as intraurethral lubricant.

RESULTS

Data from 1320 consecutive cystoscopies (929 males, 391 females, age range 15-93 years) between 6/2009-1/2010 were analyzed. This was the first cystoscopy for 814 patients. The overall mean VAS was 2.74 ± 1.51 (range 0-9) for rigid cystoscopy and 2.48 ± 1.53 (range 0-10) for flexible cystoscopy (P = 0.004). The reported mean pain level for first-time cystoscopy was significantly higher than that for repeat cystoscopy (2.8 ± 1.6 vs. 2.2 ± 1.4, P < 0.001), regardless of gender or type of cystoscope. Men reported significantly higher pain levels than women 2.6 ± 1.5 vs. 2.4 ± 1.4 (P < 0.04). The highest mean pain level was reported by men (3.4 ± 1.6) and women (2.5 ± 1.6) for rigid cystoscopy compared to flexible cystoscopy (2.5 ± 1.4 and 1.1 ± 1.9, respectively, P < 0.001). Pain levels > 5 were reported in 75 (5.7%) cystoscopies.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystoscopy was not associated with distressing levels of pain. Pain levels during first cystoscopies were higher than those for repeated ones. Using a flexible cystoscope is associated with a lower pain level in both men and women and it should be used for both genders.

The cumulative analgesic consumption score (CACS): evaluation of a new score to describe postsurgical analgesic consumption as a surrogate parameter for postoperative pain and invasiveness of surgical procedures

OBJECTIVE

To validate and evaluate the applicability of a new score to describe postsurgical analgesic consumption in urological and surgical patients across different categories of pain medications and the invasiveness of medical interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cumulative analgesic consumption score (CACS) was determined for two cohorts of patients split into three groups with surgeries involving clinically distinct levels of invasiveness (n = 2 x 60). Nonparametric statistical analyses were performed to determine differences between the CACS among the different groups and to assess the correlation between CACS and numeric rating scale (NRS) values for pain intensity.

RESULTS

The score was determined for postoperative days 1 and 2 and revealed median scores of 0 (0-11), 3 (0-22) and 10 (6-17) for UA (urological patients from group A), UB (group B) and UC (group C), respectively, and 4 (0-20), 8 (0-38) and 17 (7-68) for SA (surgical patients from group A, SB (group B) and SC (group C), respectively. CACS enabled reliable differentiation between groups involving different levels of invasiveness (p < 0.001). CACS and peak NRS values showed variable degrees of correlation, as expressed by levels of significance ranging from p < 0.001 to p = 0.34 (NS).

CONCLUSIONS

The CACS is a valid and easily applicable tool to describe postsurgical analgesic consumption in urological and surgical patients. It can be used as a surrogate parameter to assess postsurgical pain and the invasiveness of surgical procedures. These aspects may be measured to compare surgical procedures, in both clinical trials and clinical practice settings.

Haematuria: from identification to treatment

Haematuria has a prevalence of 0.1% to 2.6%. Potential diagnoses may include infection, kidney stones, trauma, exercise or spurious causes, such as foods, drugs or menstruation, and a tumour. Approximately 20% of patients with haematuria have a urological tumour, with a further 20% found to have a significant underlying pathology. Haematuria is subsequently known as the 'classic presentation' of bladder cancer with 70-80% of patients experiencing painless, gross (visible) haematuria. However, in all cases of visible haematuria, a tumour should be suspected until proven otherwise. A patient with visible haematuria requires urgent, stringent investigation, warranting specialist assessment and subsequent selective referral through a series of patient-centred investigations at a haematuria clinic. One-stop clinics have been shown to improve the patient experience in early diagnosis of potentially life-threatening conditions. Yet despite morbidity and mortality from bladder cancer increasing, the haematuria service has remained largely unchanged for several decades. This paper will discuss the tests and investigations that need to be undertaken in an individual with either visible or non-visible haematuria, and outline the care that is needed to support patients through the investigation process, with special focus on bladder tumour.

Impact of self-watching double j stent insertion on pain experience of male patients: a randomized control study using visual analog scale

Objective. To confirm safety and feasibility of double J stent insertion under local anesthesia and to assess the effect of detailed explanation and observing double J stent insertion on pain experience of male patients. Material and Methods. Eighty consenting males, randomized and divided prospectively into group A, who were allowed to observe DJ stent insertion, and group B, were not observed. All DJ stent insertions were done by senior urologist in operating urology room with or without fluoroscopy guidance. At the end of the procedure the vital signs and duration of the procedure were documented and patients were asked to fill unmarked 100 mm visual analogue pain scale (VAS) as soon as the surgeon leaves operating room. Results. Mean age of entire study group was 38.8 years; the majority of the patients had DJ stent insertion for obstructed ureteric stone, with uneventful outcomes. Postprocedural systolic blood pressure and mean pain using VAS showed statistically significant difference between groups A and B. Conclusion. DJ stent insertion under local anesthesia is a safe and feasible procedure. We recommended self-watching and detailed explanation to patients who underwent DJ stent insertion to reduce the pain and anxiety associated with the procedure.

Comparison of flexible and rigid cystoscopy-assisted ureteral catheter insertion before percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To compare the advantages of flexible and rigid cystoscopy-assisted ureteral catheter placement before prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March to September 2012, a total of 80 patients with kidney stones underwent PCNL by the same surgical team. The patients were randomly assigned into one of the groups according to the technique used for ureteral catheter insertion: Flexible cystoscopy (group 1, n=40) or rigid cystoscopy (group 2, n=40). Patient demographics and operation-related factors were compared. The preparation period included positioning, cystoscopy-assisted stent insertion, and patient repositioning for PCNL. In addition, discomfort scores of the operating room (OR) staff were measured.

RESULTS

The demographic values of the groups in terms of patient sex, age, body mass index, and stone size were comparable. While the mean preparation period was calculated as 9.9±2.3 minutes in the flexible cystoscopy group, it was significantly longer (19.7±2.9 minutes) in the rigid cystoscopy group (P<0.0001). In addition, the discomfort score of the OR staff was found to be significantly higher in the rigid cystoscopy group (1.1±0.9 vs 2.05±0.68, P<0.0001). The rest of the operative and postoperative parameters were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

The insertion of a ureteral catheter with a flexible cystoscope before prone PCNL shortens the preparation period and minimizes the discomfort of OR staff related to patient positioning and transfer.