Animated video reduces pain and improves satisfaction during transperineal prostate biopsy in RCT

BACKGROUND: Transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy is increasingly preferred due to lower infection rates but is associated with procedural pain and patient anxiety. Lack of knowledge about the procedure contributes significantly to distress and reduces satisfaction. This study investigated whether video-animated patient information improves anxiety, pain perception, satisfaction, and tolerability during TP prostate biopsy under local anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized controlled study, 103 men scheduled for TP biopsy were assigned to a video group (n = 48), receiving standard written/verbal information plus animated video, or a nonvideo group (n = 55), receiving standard information alone. Anxiety was assessed by using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), pain via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and satisfaction/tolerability with a 4-point Likert scale. Pre- and postinformation STAI-S scores, procedural VAS scores, and postprocedure satisfaction and tolerability were compared. RESULTS: Baseline demographics and STAI scores were similar. Pain during local anesthesia and overall procedural pain were significantly lower in the video group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.028). Postprocedure satisfaction and tolerability were higher in the video group (p = 0.01 for both). STAI-S scores decreased in both groups, with a greater reduction in the video group (p = 0.07). Pain during probe placement and biopsy needle insertion was lower in the video group but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Animated video-based information effectively reduces anxiety, lowers perceived pain during local anesthesia, and improves satisfaction and tolerability during TP prostate biopsy. Implementing simple, low-cost video education may enhance patient experience, support repeat procedures, and promote patient-centered care.