The Effects of Listening to Music on Anxiety, Pain and Satisfaction During Urodynamic Study : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Urodynamic study (UDS) is often used to help urologists to evaluate the functions of bladder and urethra in outpatient clinic.1 Although a UDS is a reliable tool for accurate diagnosis, the process itself can be accompanied by discomfort and pain as it includes the positioning the catheters urethral and rectally, and the bladder filling. Reports of having such invasive outpatient process whilst awake may demonstrate pain and disquiet that result in incomplete examinations and patient noncompliance2,3.

Various pharmacologic options including lidocaine gel and catheter tip lubrication for urethral catheterization were used to relieve pain and anxiety during UDS. Besides, there are some non-pharmalogical methods such as patient education, heating pad, music, distraction and relaxation4-6.

Music has been considered complementary treatment modality as cheap, safe and effective. In various urological procedures including cystoscopy, transrectal prostate biopsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) music has been proven helpful on pain and anxiety levels 7-10. However, current literature presents limited and controversial data evaluating the influence of music on pain and anxiety perspective of the patient during UDS. We, therefore, aimed to assess the effect of music on patient satisfaction in a analgesic and anxiolytic way during UDS.