The Effect of Listening to Music on Pain and Anxiety Scores During Office Based Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: A Prospective Study

Objective

To reduce the pain and anxiety during the transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx), we aimed to evaluate the effect of listening to music on this condition.

Methods

This study included 97 patients, divided into a music group and a non-music group. Patients in the music group chose from classical, popular, or local folk music, played through speakers during the biopsy. Anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, while pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients were also asked about their willingness to undergo another biopsy if needed.

Results

We showed that music significantly reduced pain and anxiety during TPBx. The music group had lower VAS scores for overall pain and pain during local anesthesia administration (P:.002 and P:.003, respectively). Post-biopsy anxiety scores were also significantly lower in the music group. These findings suggest that music enhances patient comfort and increases willingness to undergo repeat procedures.

Conclusion

Music is a cost-effective, safe, and proven approach for interventional procedures that is increasingly acknowledged for its ability to ease pain and lower anxiety. The study suggests adding music to TPBx to improve patient experience, reduce pain and anxiety, and boost future biopsy agreement.