Abstract
We tried to investigate the effects of lunar phase on Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) related pain. In addition, correlation of various clinical parameters with the pain perception during SWL procedure, were also investigated. A total of 378 patients who underwent first SWL sessions for renal or ureteral stones were prospectively enrolled in the study. The degree of pain perception during the procedure was evaluated with 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) and pain questionnaires. The date of SWL was allocated to dates and times of lunar phases as: newmoon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbus, fullmoon, waning gibbus, last quarter and waning gibbus. Mean VAS scores in first quarter (2,41±1,06) were significantly lower when compared to mean VAS scores in waning crescent (3,58±1,83) and waning gibbus (3,42±1,98) (p=0,005 and 0,041, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed when other lunar phases were compared between each other. Mean pain scores were not affected from gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and stone characteristics (stone laterality, burden and location). SWL procedure performed in first quarter of the lunar phase may become less painful. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which evaluated the effect of lunar phase on post-SWL pain outcome. Thus, additional randomized studies with larger series may be more informative.
Highlights
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is accepted as a less invasive approach and most guidelines recommend it as the first-line treatment if location and size of the calculi are appropriate for spontaneous passage of fragmented particles[1]
Pain perception received during a SWL session, is a multi-dimensional concept and may be affected from various factors including a wide variety of medical conditions
When a cut-off value for body mass index (BMI) was taken as 30 kg/ m2, no statistically significant difference was observed between groups
Summary
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is accepted as a less invasive approach and most guidelines recommend it as the first-line treatment if location and size of the calculi are appropriate for spontaneous passage of fragmented particles[1]. As the SWL session is undertaken without anesthesia, shock wave-related pain is one of the most significant side effects of SWL. With the development of SWL technology, analgesic requirements during the procedure have significantly decreased, proper pain management to ensure success and patient satisfaction is essential. Pain perception received during a SWL session, is a multi-dimensional concept and may be affected from various factors including a wide variety of medical conditions. Psychosocial factors such as expectations, emotions, and an individual’s unique learning history may result in a variety of pain perception. Lunar and circadian rhythms may affect human biology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
