Use of Virtual Reality for Pain Relief During Cervical Conization Under Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Objectives
Cervical conization (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) under local anesthesia is often associated with anxiety and procedural pain. Virtual reality (VR) glasses may enhance patient experience and reduce discomfort during medical interventions. The authors aimed to prospectively and randomly evaluate whether VR use during loop electrosurgical excision procedure may impact reported pain and anxiety.
Methods
In this randomized controlled study, women undergoing conization under local anesthesia were assigned to either a control group (no VR) or a study group using VR glasses during the procedure. Demographics, baseline anxiety levels, anticipated pain, intraprocedural pain, heart rate, patient satisfaction, and surgeon-reported procedural difficulty were compared between groups. Anticipated and actual pain was assessed using a 0–10 visual analog scale.
Results
A total of 67 women were randomized. Groups were comparable in age, body mass index, pathology, and anticipated pain (median 5.0 vs. 6.0, p = .667). No significant difference was found between groups in pain experienced during the procedure (median 3.0 vs. 2.0, p = .318), discomfort, anxiety, or heart rate. Experienced pain was significantly lower than anticipated in both groups ( p < .001). Patient satisfaction was high in both groups, 90% of patients who used VR would recommend it to others. Adverse effects related to VR were rare.
Conclusions
While the use of VR glasses did not reduce perceived pain compared to standard care, it was safe and associated with high patient satisfaction. Most women overestimated the pain they would experience during conization. Integrating VR technology may improve overall patient experience during cervical conization, even if it does not alter pain perception.