Effects of virtual reality and auditory water stimuli on early postoperative voiding after pediatric circumcision: A...

To evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based water video and auditory running water stimuli on time to first postoperative voiding in children undergoing circumcision, and to assess associated effects on pain and fear.

This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in a pediatric urology clinic. A total of 105 children aged 7-10 years undergoing circumcision were randomly assigned to a nurse-implemented VR water video group (n = 35), a nurse-delivered auditory running water group (n = 35), or a control group (n = 35). Postoperative outcomes included time to first voiding, voiding-related fear, and pain intensity. Fear was measured using the Children's Fear Scale, and pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc analyses.

Within 30 min postoperatively, 54.3% of children in the control group voided compared with 77.1% in the VR group and 80.0% in the auditory group (p = 0.035). Both nurse-led intervention groups demonstrated significantly lower fear and pain scores compared with the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the VR and auditory intervention groups. Effect size analysis indicated moderate-to-large effects on fear (η² = 0.292-0.430) and pain (η² = 0.399-0.434).

VR-based water video and auditory running water interventions effectively promote earlier postoperative voiding and reduce pain and fear in children following circumcision. These simple, non-pharmacological interventions may be feasible for integration into pediatric urology postoperative care and may support recovery and patient comfort.

NCT07304583.