A pilot study of virtual reality as an alternative to pharmacological sedation during colonoscopy.

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 mi

SUBMITTER: Friedman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7892271 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature