Distraction during cystoscopy to reduce pain and increase satisfaction: Randomized control study between real-time visualization versus listening to music versus combined music and real-time visualization

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the various distraction methods used during office cystoscopy to decrease pain and dissatisfaction among patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing rigid cystoscopy between January 2017 and July 2017 were randomized into four groups of 50 patients: (1) Group I: Patients who listened to music during the cystoscopy, (2) Group II: Patients allowed real-time visualization of the cystoscopy, (3) Group III: Patients who listened to music and had real-time visualization of the procedure, (4) Group IV: Control group undergoing cystoscopy without any distraction used. A visual analog scale (VAS) (1–10) was used for a self-assessment of pain, satisfaction, and willingness for repeat cystoscopy. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, mean age, procedure duration, and procedure indications were statistically similar between the four groups. The mean VAS pain score were significantly lower in the three study Groups (I, II, and III) where distraction methods were used during cystoscopies as compared to the control Group IV (P < 0.001) and the satisfaction VAS scores and VAS scores for willingness to undergo a repeat procedure were significantly higher in the study groups (P < 0.001). Statistically significant decreased postprocedural pulse rate and blood pressure in comparison with to their preprocedural values were observed when distraction methods were used (P < 0.01). Patients undergoing cystoscopies listening to music and real-time visualization (Group III) had better VAS scores than the others (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Distraction methods reduce pain and increase satisfaction among patients. Best results are with combined listening to music and direct real-time visualization.