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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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02-11-2023 | Hysteroscopy | Review

Pain and anxiety management with virtual reality for office hysteroscopy: systemic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Nadav Cohen, Lelia Abu Nasra, Moran Paz, Yuval Kaufman, Ofer Lavie, Ariel Zilberlicht

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Office hysteroscopy (OH) is a commonly performed procedure, although it might be associated with some degree of pain and anxiety. Our aim was to determine the effects of virtual reality on pain and anxiety levels felt by patients undergoing OH.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, ProQuest, Grey literature, and manual searching of references within studies found in the initial search were systematically searched using the terms ‘Virtual Reality’ and ‘Hysteroscopy’ without time or language limitations. The review considered all studies assessing the impact of virtual reality (VR) over OH outcomes, and prospective randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. Retrospective and case − control studies were excluded from the meta-analysis.

Results

We identified 17 studies, of which four randomized controlled studies were included in the meta-analysis (327 participants, 168 in the VR group and 159 in the control group). On a 0–10 scale, pain sensation and maximal pain sensation during the operation were not statistically different between study and control groups (relative risk (RR) = −0.64, 95% C.I (−1.57)0.29) and (RR = −0.93, 95% C.I (−3.33) − 1.47), respectively. Anxiety measurement was statistically lower in the study group (RR = −1.73, 95% C.I (−2.79) − ( −0.67)).

Conclusions

The available data suggest that VR techniques do not decrease the pain sensation during OH however, they do contribute to a reduction in the anxiety levels experienced by patients.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42023432819.

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Title: Pain and anxiety management with virtual reality for office hysteroscopy: systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nadav Cohen
Lelia Abu Nasra
Moran Paz
Yuval Kaufman
Ofer Lavie
Ariel Zilberlicht
Publication date: 02-11-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Hysteroscopy
Anxiety
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07261-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pain and anxiety management with virtual reality for office hysteroscopy: systemic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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