Virtual Reality for Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Odontectomy Under General Anesthesia: Protocol for a...

Odontectomy is a common surgical procedure often associated with significant preoperative anxiety, particularly when performed under general anesthesia. Anxiety can lead to physiological changes, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, and may affect anesthetic requirements and postoperative recovery. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety through immersive distraction.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing odontectomy under general anesthesia. The study will assess anxiety using both subjective measures (Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale, APAIS) and objective biomarkers (salivary alpha-amylase, salivary cortisol, and vital signs).

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Patients aged 17-40 years undergoing odontectomy under general anesthesia at the Dental and Oral Hospital, Universitas Padjadjaran, will be recruited. Participants (n=32) will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (VR experience of the operating room) or the control group (standard verbal education). Data collection includes salivary samples (alpha-amylase and cortisol), vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate), and APAIS scores measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 15 minutes post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using independent and paired t tests or Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, depending on normality.

The study is scheduled to be conducted between October 2026 and December 2026. The findings will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of VR as a standard anxiolytic tool in oral surgery.

If effective, VR could serve as a non-invasive, safe alternative to pharmacological premedication for managing preoperative anxiety, potentially improving surgical outcomes and patient comfort.