Immersive Virtual Reality for Reducing Intraoperative Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) therapy on pain, anxiety, and other outcomes in patients with cancer undergoing central venous (CV) port placement.

We conducted a single-center randomized controlled trial with 10 adults with cancer undergoing CV port placement. Participants were randomized into the VR group (n=5), which received VR therapy with the Therapeia VR system (xCura), or the control group (n=5), which underwent conventional procedures. The primary and secondary outcomes included intraoperative pain, intraoperative and postoperative anxiety, blood loss, operative time, sensation of obstruction, and patient and surgeon satisfaction.

No significant differences were found between the VR and control groups regarding operative time, blood loss, preoperative anxiety, obstruction sensation, or surgeon satisfaction. However, compared with the control group, the VR group showed markedly lower intraoperative pain (p=0.03), intraoperative/postoperative anxiety (p=0.04), and higher patient satisfaction (p=0.03).

The use of immersive VR therapy during CV port placement significantly reduced intraoperative pain and anxiety and enhanced patient satisfaction. These findings indicated that VR therapy may be an effective nonpharmacological adjunct for improving patient experience during invasive procedures.