A Pilot Study of Virtual Reality Technology as an Alternative to Pharmacological Sedation During Colonoscopy

This study aims to assess whether virtual reality is an acceptable alternative to pharmacological sedation during colonoscopy. Past research has shown that in order to fully experience pain, one must pay attention to it. Virtual reality has been shown to help mitigate pain by providing distraction from the painful stimulus.

In this study, participants undergo screening or surveillance colonoscopy under virtual reality distraction.

Individuals who are scheduled for a routine screening or surveillance colonoscopy and have had at least one prior colonoscopy under conscious sedation are eligible to participate. Those who give written, informed consent are fitted with and oriented to a virtual reality head-mounted display. The subject is then prepped for the colonoscopy by a registered nurse per institution protocol. This includes placement of an intravenous line.

Written consent is obtained for colonoscopy with medication by the performing endoscopist. The patient is again fitted with the virtual reality head-mounted display and virtual experiences are initiated. The endoscopist performs the colonoscopy with the subject using virtual reality distraction instead of pharmacological sedation for as long as the subject likes. Standard sedatives and narcotics will be administered by a registered nurse upon participant request at any time during the procedure.

Following the procedure, participants and endoscopists complete a questionnaire about their subjective experience with virtual reality during colonoscopy. The research coordinator fills out a case report form for each subject with information about the procedure including length, colonoscopy findings, and complications as noted by the endoscopist.