ANALGESIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ESWL TREATMENT - A DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY

This is a double-blind study of the analgesic need during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with a 2nd generation lithotriptor (Siemens Lithostar) in 56 patients. A control group of 28 patients received 2 ml saline intravenously and 28 patients received 2 ml (0.1 mg) fentanyl intravenously before the start of treatment. Before ESWL all patients had subcutaneus infiltration with 20 ml lidocaine 1% and suppository naproxen 500 mg. Pain scores according to a visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded after 600 and 1000 shock waves and at the end of treatment. The patients were comparable with regard to age, sex, weight, number of shock waves given and duration of treatment. Pain scores and the need for supplementary analgesics were not significantly different between the two groups. We con elude that routine use of morphine is unnecessary during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with Siemens Lithostar.