Does using alprazolam during outpatient flexible cystoscopy decrease anxiety and pain?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Flexible cystoscopy is a common procedure for bladder cancer surveillance.
• Anxiety and pain are significant concerns for patients undergoing cystoscopy.
• Pre-operative medication may mitigate procedural distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of pre-operative alprazolam on anxiety and pain during flexible cystoscopy.
• To evaluate the influence of prior cystoscopy experience on patient-reported outcomes.
• To compare anxiety and pain levels between different age groups.

Main Methods:

• 86 male patients undergoing flexible cystoscopy for bladder cancer follow-up were enrolled.
• Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety were utilized.
• Pain and anxiety scores were recorded at various time points, including pre- and post-alprazolam administration.

Main Results:

• Pre-operative alprazolam significantly reduced both anxiety (STAI) and pain (VAS) scores.
• Patients with prior cystoscopy experience reported lower anxiety levels.
• Elderly patients (≥66 years) exhibited significantly lower anxiety and pain scores compared to younger patients (≤65 years).
• Higher anxiety scores correlated with increased pain scores.

Conclusions:

• Alprazolam is effective in reducing anxiety and pain associated with flexible cystoscopy.
• Prior cystoscopy experience contributes to reduced anxiety.
• Age is a factor in perceived anxiety and pain during the procedure, with older patients experiencing less.