Nonpharmacological Relaxation Technology for Office-Based Rhinologic Procedures.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pain Management
• Anxiety Control

Background:

• Office-based rhinologic procedures are rising for cost and convenience.
• Effective pain and anxiety management are crucial for procedure success and patient comfort.
• Non-pharmacological methods offer alternatives to oral opioids and benzodiazepines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the NuCalm system as an adjunct for pain and anxiety management during office-based rhinologic procedures.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of patient charts undergoing office-based rhinologic procedures with the NuCalm system and local anesthesia.
• The NuCalm system combines cranial electrotherapy stimulation, neuroacoustic software, light-blocking lenses, and topical gamma-aminobutyric acid.
• Patients reported pain and anxiety levels pre-, intra-, and post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five patients utilized the NuCalm system.
• Preoperative anxiety scores (2.00) were significantly higher than postoperative scores (1.25, p=0.005).
• No significant difference was found in pain scores preoperatively (1.83), intraoperatively (2.54), and postoperatively (2.04, p=0.054).

Conclusions:

• Office-based rhinologic procedures are feasible with good patient comfort.
• The NuCalm system may enhance pain control and anxiety management.
• Adjuncts like NuCalm can improve patient tolerance without oral medications.