The factors of pain and anxiety associated with urodynamics in female patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Urodynamic study (UDS) is widely used to evaluate voiding dysfunction, however, it is invasive and bothersome for patients because it requires catheterization into the urethra and anus. We assessed patients' anxiety and pain levels caused by UDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 female patients who were undergoing UDS were included in the study on a prospective basis. Anxiety level was taken prior to the procedure and pain level was taken immediately after the procedure by visual analogue scale (VAS). Just after the procedures, they were asked if they were willing to undergo the same procedure and if they could recommend the procedure to another people if medically indicated. 60 patients were divided into 2 groups urodynamic urethral catheters (9Fr, PVC, n=30) were used in group I and Foley catheters (10Fr, Silicon, n=30) were used in group II. RESULTS: The mean age of both groups were 45.5+/-5.3 (group I)and 45.5+/-3.8 (group II)years old. The anxiety and pain levels were relatively high, but there was no significant difference between both groups in pain level. Anxiety level prior to UDS was correlated with pain level (r=0.492, p<0.001). 42 out of 60 patients (70.0%) answered they were willing to undergo UDS if they were asked again and 37 patients (61.7%) answered they could recommend the procedure to another people. 21 patients (35.0%) were menopausal women and they showed higher anxiety level compared to non-menopausal women. CONCLUSION: Female patients felt anxiety before UDS and pain immediately after UDS, especially in menopausal women, and the more anxious they were, the more painful they felt. Therefore, we need to provide sufficient explanation with regard to the procedure for patients prior to UDS to diminish patients' anxiety and pain.