Effect of visual distraction on discomfort score during flexible fiberoptic direct laryngoscopy: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Flexible fiberoptic direct laryngoscopy is the standard technique for evaluating the larynx and hypopharynx and is a routine outpatient procedure performed in ENT. This study aims to find the effect of patients’ own procedure video as a distractor over the discomfort score, during flexible fiberoptic direct laryngoscopy. It can be a cost-effective alternative to local anesthetics and should be included in our routine practice. Results The study included 60 patients undergoing flexible laryngoscopy at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (those patients who had visualized their procedure video while performing FFODL) and group B (those patients who had not visualized their procedure video while performing FFODL). Visual distraction was involving patients to see their own video while FFODL was being performed. After, the procedure discomfort score was assessed using a visual analog scale. In our study, both groups were comparable in terms of age and gender. The mean discomfort score was significantly reduced in group A as compared to group B (p value 0.003). Conclusion This study has shown that visual distraction significantly reduced the procedure-specific mean discomfort scores and that it should be practiced routinely to alleviate patient’s anxiousness and fear to go through this procedure and to gain the confidence of patients.