IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVES ON THE MALE GENITAL SYSTEM OF RABBIT - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Hemospermia was reported to occur following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of lower ureteric stones. Because no studies showed clearl y the possible effect of extracorporeal shock waves (ESW) on the male genital system, we were prompted to study this effect. Eighteen male w hite New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups (six in each) and subjected to different doses of ESW (2000, 3000 and 4000) using a Dornier MFL 5000. Shocks were focused on the lower parts of the bladde r. Four animals were used as controls. Two hours later, the animals we re dissected. Gross examination of the genital systems showed bleeding in the testicles and prostates of only some animals, whereas microsco pic examination revealed bloody spots in the genital structures of all animals. The amount of bleeding was ESW dose-independent. In conclusi on, ESW showed evident immediate effects on the male genital system. A pplication of shock waves in treating lower ureteric or vesical stones in doses between 2000 and 4000 may cause bleeding in the stuctures of this system, which can lead to hemospermia. More studies will be need ed to show the long-term sequelae of these changes on the male genital system.