Degirmentepe RB. et al., 2025: The impact of video-animated information on anxiety, satisfaction, and pain perception in patients undergoing ESWL: a randomized controlled study.
Recep Burak Degirmentepe 1, Yasir Muhammed Akca 2, Osman Sami Akman 2, Haci Ibrahim Cimen 2, Deniz Gul 3, Muammer Bozkurt 4, Tuncay Toprak 5, Osman Kose 2
1School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Sakarya University, Adapazari, Sakarya, P.C.: 54050, Turkey.
2School of Medicine, Department of Urology, Sakarya University, Adapazari, Sakarya, P.C.: 54050, Turkey.
3Department of Urology, Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey.
4Department of Urology, University of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
5Department of Urology, University of Health Sciences, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a widely used non-invasive treatment for kidney stones, but it can cause significant patient anxiety due to procedural unfamiliarity and discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of video-animated information on anxiety levels, procedural satisfaction, willingness to undergo ESWL again, and perceived pain during the procedure. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 patients scheduled for ESWL. Patients were randomized into two groups: the video group (n = 40) received video-animated information in addition to standard verbal and written information, while the non-video group (n = 40) received only standard information. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and pain perception, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat the procedure were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The video group showed a significant reduction in situational anxiety (STAI-S scores: 40.1 ± 3.7 to 35.3 ± 2.7, p < 0.001) compared to the non-video group (39.7 ± 4.2 to 38.5 ± 4.5, p = 0.106). The video group also reported higher satisfaction scores (8.8 ± 1.3 vs. 7.2 ± 2.0, p < 0.01) and greater willingness to repeat the procedure (5.6 ± 2.0 vs. 3.6 ± 1.9, p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in VAS pain scores between the groups (4.9 ± 1.3 vs. 5.4 ± 1.6, p = 0.298). Video-animated information significantly reduces situational anxiety and improves patient satisfaction and willingness to undergo ESWL again, without significantly affecting perceived pain levels. These findings support the use of multimedia tools in patient education to enhance the ESWL experience.
Urolithiasis. 2025 Apr 26;53(1):81. doi: 10.1007/s00240-025-01757-6. PMID: 40285924;
PMCID: PMC12033091
Comments 1
In randomized comparison the authors used video-animated information with the aim of studying the levels of anxiety, satisfaction and pain experience with SWL. Different analytical tools were used for evaluation of these factors and the bottom-line of these processes showed that patients exposed to video-animated information had reduced anxiety and increased satisfaction, but the pain experience was the same.
This reviewer has no experience of the ELMED Multimed lithotripter but considerable experience of SWL. The notation that no analgesic at all was administered during the lithotripsy is surprising. In this regard it would have been of interest to learn what was accomplished in terms of stone disintegration with a single SWL session.
The observation that patients given video information had a higher grade of willingness to repeat the treatment is interesting, but how often was re-SWL necessary?
The bottom-line of this report is that with more careful patient preparation, the easier the treatment procedure will be. Unfortunately, the reviewer failed to download the video-information.
Hans-Göran Tiselius