Anesthesia Usage and Pain Management in Colposcopy: A Scoping Review of Efficacy and Approaches

Colposcopies are diagnostic procedures conducted to detect precancerous and cancerous lesions on the cervix and are often done as a sequelae of histological abnormalities found on cervical screening exams, such as precancerous abnormalities, positive human papillomavirus (HPV) results, or a past medical history of cervical dysplasia. Colposcopies, while often necessary to ensure the health of the patient, can induce a lot of anxiety and distress in the time leading up to the procedure, often due to fear of the procedure itself, anticipation of pain, as well as fear regarding the results of the colposcopy. Experiencing physical pain and discomfort during gynecological procedures can negatively influence a woman's willingness to comply with future medical appointments, often exacerbating feelings of anxiety and distress. A systematic search was conducted to identify the relevant articles published within the last 10 years pertaining to pain management in colposcopy procedures. The search strategy aimed to identify studies involving the utilization of anesthesia or analgesics for pain management or prevention during colposcopy, with a focus on randomized controlled trials. This systematic review aims to review the existing literature on the use of anesthetics in colposcopy and its effect on patient outcomes, investigating the current strategies of anesthesia use in the setting of a colposcopy, as well as their efficacy in improving pain.