Hypnosedation for endocavitary uterovaginal applications: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Anesthesiology
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Uterovaginal brachytherapy implantations typically require general or spinal anesthesia, posing potential risks.
• Minimally invasive procedures with low postoperative pain suggest alternative sedation methods may be suitable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and patient satisfaction of hypnosedation for uterovaginal brachytherapy.
• To explore a less invasive sedation technique for selected patients undergoing endocavitary brachytherapy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included patients undergoing uterovaginal brachytherapy who consented to hypnosedation.
• Hypnosedation utilized an Ericksonian technique with systematic premedication.
• Procedures were halted if patients experienced excessive pain or anxiety, with conversion to traditional anesthesia.

Main Results:

• Out of 20 patients, 16 (80%) successfully completed the procedure under hypnosedation.
• Mean and maximum pain scores were 2.9/10 and 5.1/10, respectively.
• 85% found hypnosis helpful for relaxation, and 90% would recommend the technique; no complications occurred.

Conclusions:

• Uterovaginal brachytherapy implantation under hypnosedation is feasible with a 70% success rate.
• The technique offers high patient satisfaction and may reduce operating room and anesthesiologist resource utilization.
• Hypnosedation can decrease the need for anesthetic drugs and reduce postoperative nausea.