Treatment of prostatitis with low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT)

BACKGROUND: Prostatitis is known as the inflammation of the prostate. The treatments of prostatitis are either pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment. However, some of the treatments are not effective and very invasive which can lead to side effects. Thus, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) is used as an alternative treatment for prostatitis due to its convenient and non-invasive procedure. However, a definite protocol for this treatment is not available due to the variability of the treatment protocols and the lack of research comparing the efficacy of these protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To review and compare the efficacy of different LI-ESWT protocols in treating prostatitis.

METHODS: The study was performed by comparing the intensity, duration, frequency and combination with different types of pharmacotherapy drugs of the different LI-ESWT protocols from various studies. The finding from various studies which consist of disease improvement and quality of life (QoL) were also presented in this review.

RESULT: From the findings, the protocol can be categorized into three different intensities which are at 3000 pulses,  3000 pulses. Most studies reported that each protocol is very effective and safe to use and can improve CP symptoms, urinary symptoms, erectile function and QoL. It is also found that no complications or adverse effects occur to the patient.

CONCLUSION: Most of the LI-ESWT protocols described are safe and effective in treating CP through the absence of treatment-related adverse effects and maintenance of clinical effects.