Psychological aspects of treating staghorn nephrolithiasis using percutaneous and retrograde nephrolithotripsy

Aim To investigate the level of anxiety and the severity of asthenic state in patients with staghorn nephrolithiasis treated by of minimally invasive therapies - percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNLT) and retrograde nephrolithotripsy (RNLT). Patients and methods This study analyzed the psychological state of 150 patients with staghorn nephrolithiasis aged 25 to 75 years before and after PNLT and RNLT. Testing was performed at baseline, at 5-7 day of hospital stay (average time of preparing for surgery) and after treatment with the use of various questionnaires: Anxiety Scale, Asthenic conditions scale and Pain questionnaire. Results The follow-up findings shower positive changes, including reduction in the level of anxiety and severity of asthenia in patients of different age groups. The decrease in anxiety level and severity of fatigue was associated with decreased rates of neuropathic component of pain. Conclusion The psychological state of patients with staghorn nephrolithiasis depends on the characteristics of minimally invasive methods of treatment and requires attending physicians and medical personnel to take into consideration the mental and emotional state of patients.

staghorn nephrolithiasis, retrograde nephrolithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, anxiety, asthenic state