J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2007 Oct;18(5):429-433.

Usefulness of Ultrasonography as a Disposition Tool for Patients with Acute Flank Pain and Microscopic Hematuria in an Emergency Department

• Kim IS
• Han SK
• Ryu S
• Lee JW
• Kim SW
• Yoo IS
• You YH

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography (US) as a disposition tool in emergency care centers for categorizing urolithiasis patients who present with acute flank pain and microscopic hematuria.
METHODS
We enrolled patients who presented with acute flank pain and microscopic hematuria from January to August 2006 in the Emergency Care Center of Chungnam National University Hospital. We categorized patients into four groups according to their hydronephrosis and urinary complications, respectively, and retrospectively reviewed their charts relative to patients' disposition.
RESULTS
One hundred eighty-two patients met the criteria and were enrolled in the study. Patients who were classified as group D (without complication or hydronephrosis) had 100% negative predictive value for invasive procedures (ureteroscopy or double J catheterization), hospital admission, extracoporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and prescription of antibiotics.
CONCLUSION
It is reasonable for emergency department residents to route patients without complication or hydronephrosis to the outpatient department after pain control and simple therapeutic education.

Keyword

Ultrasonography; Urolithiasis; Hematuria; Flank pain

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Chungcheongnam-do
Education
Emergencies*
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Service, Hospital*
Flank Pain*
Hematuria*
Humans
Hydronephrosis
Lithotripsy
Outpatients
Prescriptions
Retrospective Studies
Shock
Ultrasonography*
Urolithiasis
Anti-Bacterial Agents