Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening using hypnosis

Colorectal Cancer Screnning Colonoscopy Under Hypnosis: A Multicenter Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Tours · NCT05051046

This study tests if using hypnosis instead of general anesthesia during colonoscopy can help people feel less anxious and uncomfortable while getting screened for colorectal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Tours Academic / other
Locations1 site (Angers)
Trial IDNCT05051046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of hypnosis as an alternative to general anesthesia during colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is a prevalent condition, and colonoscopy is a critical screening tool that is often performed under general anesthesia due to patient discomfort. The study aims to determine if hypnosis can reduce anxiety and pain, making the procedure more acceptable to patients while also minimizing the risks and costs associated with general anesthesia. By assessing patient tolerance and outcomes, the study seeks to provide a viable option for those undergoing screening.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing a screening colonoscopy and are affiliated with the French social security system.

Not a fit: Patients requiring emergency colonoscopy or those with contraindications to hypnosis or general anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer and more cost-effective colorectal cancer screenings for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While hypnosis has been tested in various contexts, most studies have been small and non-randomized, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 18 years of age or older
* Undergoing a screening colonoscopy (mass screening Fecal Immunochemical Test positive or as an individual (family history of colon cancer or adenoma, personal history of adenoma, cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel disease) or in the context of a transit disorder, hemorrhage or anemia
* Affiliated with a French social security system
* Having signed a written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient requiring emergency colonoscopy
* History of colonic resection
* Carriers of behavioral disorders and/or psychiatric illness
* Limited cognitive abilities making it impossible to read or fill out a discrete choice questionnaire (language problems, comprehension problems)
* Contraindication to hypnosis, preventing quality interaction (comprehension and/or language problems, hearing impairment)
* Contraindication to general anesthesia
* Under a legal protection regime
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman

Where this trial is running

Angers

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.