Sterile water injections for management of renal colic pain: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background Since the 1950s a small number of centres have used sterile water injections (SWI) to treat renal colic pain. We undertook this review to determine the efficacy of SWI to manage the pain of renal colic. Methods We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Central Register, CINAHL, and Scopus from database inception to 7 November 2021 for randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria. Results Six trials were included in the review (n = 894 patients). Two placebo controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Other trials compared SWI to Diclofenac, Morphine, or oral Paracetamol. The overall quality of the trial was low. Compared to a placebo SWI demonstrated a significant reduction in self-reported pain at 30 min (Mean difference [MD] = −4.68, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = −5.21, −4.15. p < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and at or beyond 60 min post-injection (MD = −5.34 95% CI = −5.85, −4.82, p ≤ 0.001, I2 = 0%). Pain relief provided by SWI was significantly better than oral paracetamol and equivalent to Diclofenac and Morphine. No significant side-effects were attributed to SWI use in any trials. Discussion/conclusion SWI could be a suitable alternative for management of renal colic pain where alternatives such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and opioid drugs are either unavailable or contraindicated. However, further research is required to establish the role of SWI in renal colic pain management.