Use of Virtual Reality for Pain Relief During Cervical Conization Under Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Medical Technology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Cervical conization (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) under local anesthesia often causes patient anxiety and pain.
• Virtual reality (VR) is a potential tool to improve patient experience during medical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the impact of VR use on pain and anxiety during cervical conization.
• To assess patient satisfaction and procedural difficulty with VR integration.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study compared women undergoing cervical conization with and without VR glasses.
• Data collected included demographics, anxiety, anticipated and experienced pain (visual analog scale), heart rate, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pain, anxiety, or heart rate was observed between the VR and control groups.
• Experienced pain was significantly lower than anticipated in both groups.
• Patient satisfaction was high, with 90% of VR users recommending it; VR was safe with rare adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• VR use during cervical conization did not reduce perceived pain but was safe and well-tolerated.
• VR technology can enhance the overall patient experience during the procedure, despite not significantly altering pain perception.
• Patients frequently overestimate pain associated with cervical conization.