Seeing Is Believing: A Randomized Controlled Study from China of Real-Time Visualization of Flexible Cystoscopy to Improve Male Patient Comfort

PURPOSE: To assess the impact on visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores of allowing male patients to view the procedure of flexible cystoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 86 male patients admitted to our hospital for flexile cystoscopy by a single urologist between 2010 and 2011 were randomized to two equal groups. Group 1 included 43 patients who were allowed to watch the video screen with the urologist. Group 2 included 43 patients who were unable to view the video monitor. All patients received the same real-time explanation during the cystoscopy. Patients recorded their pain feeling on a VAS ranging from 0 to 10 after the physician completed the cystoscopy. The pulse and respiratory rate were also recorded 5 minutes before the procedure and immediately after the procedure. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the postprocedure pulse rate and respiratory rate between groups. The mean pain score on the VAS in group 1 was statistically significantly lower than that in group 2 (1.12±0.96 vs 3.33±2.50, P<0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). Patients who were allowed to watch the video screen experienced less discomfort at cystoscopy. CONCLUSION: Real-time visualization of flexible cystoscopy with simultaneous explanation improves male patients' comfort.