The 12-month follow-up of the low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome refractory to 3-As medications.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Applying low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) has been reported to improve symptoms of refractory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in short-term follow-up. This study aims to demonstrate the effect of LI-ESWT on refractory CPPS over the span of a 12-month follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was an open-label, single-arm prospective study. LI-ESWT consisted of 3000 shock waves once weekly for 4 weeks (Duolith SD1 T-Top) were applied. Clinical symptoms were re-assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months using NIH-CPSI score, visual analog scale, 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function and International Prostate Symptom Score.

RESULTS:

Thirty-one of the 43 patients enrolled had a successful response at the 1-month follow up after the treatment. Twenty-six of the 31 patients who responded successfully to LI-ESWT at the 1-month follow-up, maintained their response at the 6- and 12-month follow-up. The existence of psychosocial disorder at the baseline characteristics analysis was the only potential factor that may hinder the effectiveness of LI-ESWT.

CONCLUSIONS:

LI-ESWT has shown to be a safe and effective therapy for CPPS patients at the long-term follow-up. History of psychological disorders might be a significant predictor of a successful response.

• Authors: Shiao-Jin Guu, Chia-Chu Liu, Yung-Shun Juan, Ching-Chia Li, Chia-Chun Tsai
• Journal: The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male (Aging Male) Vol. 23 Issue 5 Pg. 793-800 (Dec 2020) ISSN: 1473-0790 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 30945953 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Chronic Pain (therapy)
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Pelvic Pain (therapy)
• Prospective Studies