Effect of Music on Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose Music has been utilized as a therapeutic tool during colonoscopy, but various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to analyze the effect of music on patients undergoing colonoscopy. Patients and Methods Multiple medical databases were searched (12/06). Only RCTs on adult subjects that compared music versus no music during colonoscopy were included. Meta-analysis was analyzed for total procedure time, dose of sedative medications (midazolam and mepiridine), and patients’ pain scores, experience, and willingness to repeat the same procedure in the future. Results Eight studies (N = 712) met the inclusion criteria. Patients’ overall experience scores (P < 0.01) were significantly improved with music. No significant differences were noted for patients’ pain scores (P = 0.09), mean doses of midazolam (P = 0.10), mean doses of meperidine (P = 0.23), procedure times (P = 0.06), and willingness to repeat the same procedure in future (P = 0.10). Conclusions Music improves patients’ overall experience with colonoscopy.