A pilot study of virtual reality as an alternative to pharmacological sedation during colonoscopy
Open Access
- 18 February 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Georg Thieme Verlag KG in Endoscopy International Open
- Vol. 09 (03), E343-E347
- https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1339-0724
Abstract
Background and study aims Conscious sedation is routinely administered for colonoscopy but is associated with risks and inconveniences. We sought to determine whether virtual reality (VR) may be a feasible alternative. Patients and methods Twenty-seven individuals scheduled for screening/surveillance colonoscopy participated. The VR device was activated throughout the colonoscopy, but subjects could opt out and request standard medications. Questionnaires were administered, and variables were assessed on a scale of 1 to 10. Results Cecal intubation was achieved in all cases without adverse events (AEs). Study colonoscopies were completed without pharmacological rescue in 26 of 27 patients (96.3 %) and procedure times were comparable to baseline. Subjects reported minimal pain, high satisfaction, and willingness to use VR for future colonoscopies to avoid narcotics and resume normal activities including driving. Conclusion Replacing pharmacological sedation with VR did not impact colonoscopy completion rates, procedure time, or AEs. Satisfaction was high and only one subject (3.7 %) chose to suspend VR. VR can be an effective alternative for patients undergoing colonoscopy who prefer to avoid narcotics. Received: 21 July 2020 Accepted: 05 October 2020 Publication Date: 18 February 2021 (online) © 2021. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commecial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, GermanyThis publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit:
- Virtual reality distraction for patients to relieve pain and discomfort during colonoscopyEndoscopy International Open, 2020
- Patient-Reported Barriers to Completing a Diagnostic Colonoscopy Following Abnormal Fecal Immunochemical Test Among Uninsured PatientsJournal of General Internal Medicine, 2019
- Collaborative Management Strategies for Drug Shortages in Neurocritical CareNeurocritical Care, 2019
- Adjunctive virtual reality for procedural pain management of burn patients during dressing change or physical therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trialsWound Repair and Regeneration, 2018
- The use of immersive virtual reality for pain control during periodontal scaling and root planing procedures in dental hygiene clinicInternational Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2018
- A Literature Review of Quality in Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy from the Patient PerspectiveCanadian Journal of Gastroenterology, 2011
- Technical Performance of Colonoscopy: The Key Role of Sedation/Analgesia and Other Quality IndicatorsThe American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2008
- Patient Attitudes Toward Undergoing Colonoscopy Without SedationThe American Journal of Gastroenterology, 1999
- Complete colonoscopy: how often? And if not, why not?1994