Does Watching a Relaxing Video During Cystoscopy Affect Pain and Anxiety Levels of Female Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cystoscopy is noted to be more painful in men. Research has been done to support the use of video in men to reduce pain; it would follow that video would be useful in reducing pain in women as well.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy on the pain and anxiety levels of female patients.

Design: The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, controlled, nonblinded trial.

Setting: This study was carried out in the cystoscopy unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey.

Participants: Sixty female patients aged 18 years and older undergoing rigid cystoscopy for the first time and under local anesthesia.

Methods: The participants were randomized into two equal groups: video and control. Data were collected with Visual Analog Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and hemodynamic parameters.

Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of pain levels during and after cystoscopy (p < .001). Pain levels were significantly lower in the video group during and after the procedure. A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups in terms of anxiety levels before and after cystoscopy (p < .05). Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the video group after the procedure. Satisfaction levels were higher in the video group (p < .001).

Conclusion: According to this study, watching a relaxing video during cystoscopy had a positive effect on pain, anxiety, satisfaction levels, and hemodynamic parameters of the patients.