Immediate Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Waves on the Male Genital System of Rabbit: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Hemospermia was reported to occur following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of lower ureteric stones. Because no studies showed clearly the possible effect of extracorporeal shock waves (ESW) on the male genital system, we were prompted to study this effect. Eighteen male white 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 bladder. Four animals were used as controls. Two hours later, the animals were dissected. Gross examination of the genital systems showed bleeding in the testicles and prostates of only some animals, whereas microscopic examination revealed bloody spots in the genital structures of all animals. The amount of bleeding was ESW dose-independent. In conclusion, ESW showed evident immediate effects on the male genital system. Application 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 needed to show the long-term sequelae of these changes on the male genital system.