Pain severity in renal colic: a retrospective evaluation of initial visits in patients at a medical center

Abstract

Background: Urinary stone disease is commonly seen in urology practices. Most patients with renal colic present with excruciating flank pain and thus seek urgent medical care. This study aimed to determine correlations between clinical parameters and the perception of pain. Methods: 171 consecutive patients with initial presentation of renal colic due to a single ureteral stone were reviewed from January 2010 to November 2012. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity at the time of colic. Relationships between the clinical data and severity of colic pain were assessed. Demographic characteristics, e.g. sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), were also analyzed. Results: The mean size of the stones was 5.3±2.2 mm, and 62% were found in the lower ureters. Medical expulsive therapy alone was effective in 48% of cases; the average time for stone passage was 9±5 days. The pain score did not vary according to age (P=0.153), sex (P=0.723), or stone location (P=0.816). BMI had a negative correlation with a high VAS score (P<0.01). The stone size (<5 mm) was also inversely correlated with the pain score (P=0.025). VAS is effective for evaluating individual discomfort, as it helps to assess patients’ perception of pain. Conclusions: Our study showed that a lower BMI and smaller stones (<5 mm) tend to contribute to more severe colic pain. These results provide us with information that is helpful in the clinical management of renal colic.