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The use of visual distraction to improve the tolerability of flexible laryngoscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2018

T C Biggs ,
A Henderson ,
F Shelton  and
N N Patel
T C Biggs*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
A Henderson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
F Shelton
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
N N Patel
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Timothy Biggs, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Flexible laryngoscopy is a commonly performed procedure in otolaryngology. Although this procedure is not considered painful, many patients describe it as uncomfortable. This study investigated the role of visual distraction as a form of pain relief during flexible laryngoscopy.

Methods

The study included patients undergoing flexible laryngoscopy at the University Hospital Southampton. Patients were self-allocated to one of four groups: with or without co-phenylcaine anaesthetic spray; and with and without visual distraction. Visual distraction involved the patient watching the procedure concurrently with the clinician, via a video monitor. Pre- and post-procedural discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale.

Results

The use of topical anaesthetic spray was not associated with significantly reduced discomfort scores (p > 0.05). Discomfort scores were significantly reduced in the visual distraction groups (p = 0.04), irrespective of the use of topical anaesthetic spray.

Conclusion

This small study showed that visual distraction should be considered as a simple and cost-effective alternative to local anaesthetic for flexible laryngoscopy.

Keywords

LaryngoscopyOtolaryngologyPain
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 132 , Issue 8 , August 2018 , pp. 739 - 741
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2018 

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Footnotes

Mr T Biggs takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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