Seeing is believing: a randomized controlled study from China of real-time visualization of flexible cystoscopy to improve male patient comfort.

PURPOSE

To assess the impact on visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores of allowing male patients to view the procedure of flexible cystoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 86 male patients admitted to our hospital for flexile cystoscopy by a single urologist between 2010 and 2011 were randomized to two equal groups. Group 1 included 43 patients who were allowed to watch the video screen with the urologist. Group 2 included 43 patients who were unable to view the video monitor. All patients received the same real-time explanation during the cystoscopy. Patients recorded their pain feeling on a VAS ranging from 0 to 10 after the physician completed the cystoscopy. The pulse and respiratory rate were also recorded 5 minutes before the procedure and immediately after the procedure.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the postprocedure pulse rate and respiratory rate between groups. The mean pain score on the VAS in group 1 was statistically significantly lower than that in group 2 (1.12±0.96 vs 3.33±2.50, P<0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). Patients who were allowed to watch the video screen experienced less discomfort at cystoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Real-time visualization of flexible cystoscopy with simultaneous explanation improves male patients' comfort.