Actas urologicas españolas
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Three factors in extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) result in pain: shock wave pressure, size of focal area and pressure distribution at entry in the skin. Our Lithotripsy Unit has performed 21,000 outpatient treatments (Dornier HM-4 Lithotripter) with no sedation or anaesthetics. Pain requiring treatment discontinuation resulted in 10% instances. Anxiety-associated pain increases the perceived intensity of pain and influences the emotional response to pain. ⋯ SWEL is a painful therapy (95% of sample had mild-to-moderate pain); pain perception is increased by status of anxiety (45% of pain variance) more than by the trait of anxiety (26.3%); therefore, usage of sedation-analgesia in patients with high anxiety status would improve the lithotripter efficacy ratio.