Virtual Reality after Surgery-A Method to Decrease Pain After Surgery in Pediatric Patients

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Virtual Reality Applications
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Virtual Reality (VR) is recognized for its potential in pain management and patient distraction.
• Studies are needed to compare VR effectiveness against standard digital devices for postoperative pain relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) versus standard iPad use in managing postoperative pain.
• To assess the impact of VR on pain scores and opioid consumption in surgical patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving pediatric patients (7-18 years) stratified by age, gender, and surgery type.
• Pain and anxiety were measured using validated scales (STAI, FACES, VAS, FLACC).
• Outcomes were compared between patients using VR and those using an iPad.

Main Results:

• Virtual Reality (VR) use was associated with significantly lower FLACC pain scores compared to iPad use (OR 2.95, P=.021).
• Younger patients (7-12 years) experienced greater pain reduction with VR, particularly with 20-30 minutes of use (OR 1.67, P=.0003).
• No significant difference in opioid consumption was observed between the VR and iPad groups.

Conclusions:

• Virtual Reality (VR) is a well-tolerated and effective intervention for reducing immediate postoperative pain compared to standard iPad use.
• Younger pediatric patients demonstrate a more pronounced benefit from VR interventions for pain management.
• While VR showed a slightly higher withdrawal rate in younger patients, its pain-alleviating effects are significant.