Comparison of general anesthesia and intravenous sedation-analgesia for SWL

We compared general anesthesia and intravenous sedation-analgesia for SWL on a Dornier HM3 lithotripter with respect to treatment and anesthesia time, X-ray exposure, shockwaves administered, and efficacy. The case records of 49 patients receiving general anesthesia and 118 patients who underwent intravenous sedation-analgesia were examined. Follow-up plain abdominal radiographs were evaluated for residual stones. Treatments accomplished under intravenous sedation-analgesia required less anesthesia time and less SWL time. The amount of fluoroscopy time was increased. The success rate in treating patients with these two types of anesthesia was not significantly different. Intravenous sedation-analgesia is safe and effective for shockwave lithotripsy in the HM3 lithotripter. This technique facilitates more rapid outpatient treatment and has excellent patient tolerance.