Three Distraction Methods for Pain Reduction During Cystoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction

Background: Cystoscopy is a safe diagnostic procedure commonly used to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms. This can cause pain, anxiety, and dissatisfaction in patients undergoing cystoscopy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects on pain, anxiety, and satisfaction of distraction methods used during cystoscopy.

Design: Single-center, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial.

Setting: Cystoscopy unit of a training and research hospital in Turkey.

Participants: Male patients ≥18 years of age who underwent rigid cystoscopy for the first time.

Methods: A total of 120 male patients were recruited and randomized into four groups as music, stress ball, video, and control group. Data were collected using visual analog scale for pain and satisfaction, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters. The primary outcome was the difference with respect to pain scores among intervention groups. Other outcome measures were anxiety and satisfaction scores.

Results: Pain severity during cystoscopy was found to be significantly lower in the intervention groups than the control group. In the video group, the severity of pain during cystoscopy was also found to be significantly lower than music and stress ball groups (p = 0.006, p < 0.001). After cystoscopy, anxiety levels were significantly lower and satisfaction levels were significantly higher in the intervention groups than in the control group. Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the video group than music and stress ball groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Satisfaction levels were also significantly higher after cystoscopy in the video group than in the music and stress ball groups (p = 0.018, p = 0.018).

Conclusions: According to this study, distraction methods used during rigid cystoscopy were found to have a reducing effect on pain, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. As the results of the study are evaluated, video should be recommended to be the first preferred distraction method during rigid cystoscopy.