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When does it hurt? Pain during flexible cystoscopy in men.
A K Taghizadeh1, A El Madani, P R Gard
1Department of Urology, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK. a.taghizadeh@ukonline.co.uk
Flexible cystoscopy pain is most intense during urethral passage. Lidocaine reduces discomfort, but pain varies significantly during the procedure, aiding understanding of patient experiences.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pain Management
- Medical Procedures
Background:
- Flexible cystoscopy is a common urological procedure.
- Understanding patient-reported pain during flexible cystoscopy is crucial for improving patient comfort.
- Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the efficacy of lidocaine for pain management during this procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To continuously measure pain during flexible cystoscopy.
- To identify the most painful stages of the procedure.
- To assess the impact of lidocaine on pain perception.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving men undergoing flexible cystoscopy.
- Continuous pain assessment using a 0-10 scale via a pressure-sensing rubber bulb.
- Analysis of pain scores correlated with different procedural steps and patient factors.
Main Results:
- The highest median pain score (2.82) occurred during passage through the membranous urethra.
- Lidocaine administration resulted in a significantly lower median pain score (0.84) compared to other stages (0.14-0.33).
- No significant difference in pain was observed between first-time and repeat cystoscopies, nor was age a significant factor.
Conclusions:
- Pain during flexible cystoscopy is not uniform and is most pronounced during urethral instrumentation.
- The findings provide insights into the variability of pain experienced and may help reconcile previous research on lidocaine's effectiveness.
- This study enhances understanding of pain perception during flexible cystoscopy, informing potential improvements in patient care.
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