Virtual Reality for Pain Control During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: a Prospective, Comparative, Randomized Study at a Single Institution

The patients were randomized in two groups SWL with VR and SWL without VR. When a patient was randomized for a VR session we put on the monitor after adequate patient positioning. We used the Oncomfort Sedakit.

The size and location of stone pre-treatment was measured based on the best available imaging tool (CT>RX/ultrasonography) using the maximal stone diameter. The locations of the stones were described as upper pole stones, midpolar stones, lower pole stones, renal pelvis stones and proximal ureteric stones. Each SWL treatment was standardized using diclofenac 100 mg suppository as analgesic and local lidocain/prilocain cream (EMLA 5g, Aspen) to numb the skin. Visualization of the stone was done by fluoroscopy of ultrasonography, as these proved to be equivalent (Van Besien et al. 2017).

A specific and standardized ramping protocol was applied. After finishing this protocol, the energy level could be raised further depending on the level of discomfort of the patient.

Directly after the procedure, the patients were asked to complete a questionnaire where they were asked to write down the experienced amount of pain during the procedure on a VAS of 10 cm and the satisfaction level using a Likert-scale. The total delivered energy was noted.

Two weeks after every SWL session, follow-up imaging (ultrasound and plain abdominal radiography) was performed by a radiologist. Residual stone size was estimated on plain abdominal radiography or ultrasonography. The radiologist was blinded for the randomization process. Practitioner and patient were not. After each SWL the clinical outcome was noted.