The First Surgery Experienced Through Virtual Reality: A Knee Surgery Case Report

Area of Science:

• Medical technology
• Surgical innovation
• Patient experience

Background:

• Operating room environment perception impacts surgical decisions and treatment.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers potential to modify patient environmental perceptions.
• Patient anxiety and fear are significant factors in surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VR simulation on a patient undergoing arthroscopic meniscus surgery.
• To assess patient-reported anxiety, pain, and satisfaction during a first-time surgical procedure using VR.
• To explore VR's potential to reduce intraoperative medication and improve postoperative recovery.

Main Methods:

• A case study involving a 35-year-old male patient with no prior surgical experience.
• VR simulation featuring nature scenes and sounds was utilized from operating room entry until anesthesia administration.
• Data collected via visual analog scale for pain and a walking test; patient-reported anxiety and satisfaction were recorded.

Main Results:

• Preoperative anxiety decreased from 9/10 to 1/10 post-procedure.
• Patient satisfaction with the surgical experience was rated 9/10.
• No intraoperative sedatives or analgesics were required; successful mobilization occurred at 15 hours post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• VR simulation positively impacted patient anxiety, pain perception, and overall satisfaction.
• VR may reduce the need for premedication and enhance postoperative compliance.
• This case highlights VR's potential as a valuable tool in surgical patient care.