P-464 Patients satisfaction with Hypnosis during Oocyte Retrieval
Authors: Cervantes C , Bourdon M , Maignien C , Patrat C , Blanchet V , Gonnot J , Laviron E , Chapron C , Santulli P 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Are patients receiving hypnosis during oocyte retrieval (OR) satisfied with this support?

Summary answer

Three-quarters of the women receiving hypnosis during OR were satisfied with this support, considering it beneficial for both pain and anxiety.

What is known already

OR is a crucial component in the management of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Despite being a safe and efficient procedure, OR is often perceived as the most stressful and painful aspect of ART. OR can be performed under local anesthesia with a paracervical block analgesia but may still cause discomfort for some patients (pain, anxiety related to the procedure). Therefore, exploring non-pharmacological approaches, such as hypnosis, to enhance anesthesia is of major interest. Hypnosis has demonstrated efficacy in pain management across various medical indications, prompting an investigation into its potential benefits during OR.

Study design, size, duration

A cohort study involving women undergoing an OR under local anesthesia combined with hypnosis at our institution between November 2022 to November 2023. A questionnaire was distributed to patients just after the OR, assessing women’s satisfaction with hypnosis support, along with their experiences of pain (Visual Analogic scale (VAS)) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire) during the OR procedure.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Women for whom hypnosis was administered during the entire OR procedure, using either a virtual reality headset or with a hypnotherapist were included. Exclusions comprised incomplete questionnaires and patients unable to communicate in French. Objectives were (i) to assess the women satisfaction concerning hypnosis during OR on pain and anxiety through specific questions of the survey, (ii) to evaluate pain (VAS) and anxiety (STAI) during the procedure and (iii) to compare the two hypnosis techniques.

Main results and the role of chance

Two hundred and nine women undergoing OR under local anesthesia fully responded to the questionnaire out of six hundred surveyed. The mean population age was 34.4±4.1 years. Hypnosis support was provided by a hypnotherapist for 79.9% (167/209) of women and using a virtual reality headset for 20.1% (42/209). 73.7% were satisfied of hypnosis for pain, and 86.1% for anxiety. A higher proportion found hypnosis beneficial for anxiety in the therapist group compared to the virtual reality headset group (88.6% (148/167) versus 76.2% (32/42) respectively, p:0.037). For a new oocyte retrieval, 70.8% of women preferred undergoing the procedure under local anesthesia with hypnosis. The mean VAS score was 5.3 ± 2.6 and the mean STAI score was 36.7± 17.8 during oocyte retrieval. No significant differences concerning VAS and STAI scores were found between the therapist and virtual reality headset groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The study evaluates the satisfaction of women with hypnosis support; hence, there is no assessment of long-term benefits on pregnancy chances. Additionally, a potential selection bias exists as not all surveyed women returned the questionnaire.

Wider implications of the findings

Positive feedback suggests a potential role for hypnosis in enhancing patient well-being during oocyte retrieval, warranting further research and clinical exploration to improve the overall patient experience during what is often perceived as a stressful procedure.

Trial registration number

NA