Effectiveness in the management of acute renal colic in the Arnaldo Milian Castro Provincial University Hospital, its economic impact

Abstract

Renal colic is one of the most frequent causes of abdominal pain consultation in the Emergency Rooms. The risk of having such condition during the life is up to 10%. The way to address it in the acute period differs according to the various institutions and physicians. Antispasmodic and analgesic drugs such as espasmoforte and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are routinely used for symptomatic relief. In reviewing the medical literature, evidence that supports the use of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as the best method of treating renal colic has been found. The incidence of renal colic in patients treated at the Emergency Room of the Arnaldo Milian Castro Provincial University Hospital in Villa Clara during the period from August to December 2009 was assessed. All of the cases (884) were treated with espasmoforte, of whom 106 (41.4%) required hospitalization, 52 solve their problem in the first 24 hours and the remaining patients between 48 and 72 hours. The use of espasmoforte, on average, is 15 vials per day, at a cost of six pesos. Diclofenac, which costs 45 cents and has fewer side effects, only two vials a day are used.