Summary
Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a potential tool for distraction and relaxation during anesthesia. in this study, Intraoperative VR distraction significantly reduces patient anxiety in ACL-R surgery under Spinal Anesthesia. It results in decreased intraoperative adverse events and increased postoperative comfort.
Abstract
Introduction
Patient anxiety during the perioperative period can significantly impact post-operative recovery. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a potential tool for distraction and relaxation during anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative VR distraction on post-operative patient anxiety following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACL-R) surgery under spinal anesthesia (SA).
Materials And Methods
A single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted between January and May 2022, involving patients undergoing ACL-R surgery under SA. The participants were divided into two groups: group 1 received VR distraction using a headset during surgery, while group 2 followed the standard protocol without VR. Thirty patients were included in each group, with an average age of 26 years. The surgical procedure, including the use of hamstring graft and lateral tenodesis, was identical for both groups. The duration of surgery was similar in both groups, with comparable tourniquet times (39±11 vs. 41±13 minutes).
Data on patient anxiety using the validated STAI Y-1 scoring system were collected. Secondary endpoints included the need for intraoperative sedation, occurrence of intraoperative complications (hypotension and oxygen requirement), postoperative pain and comfort scores (VAS), and patient satisfaction (rated on a scale of 1 to 10).
Results
Group 1 (VR distraction) showed a significant decrease in the need for sedation and intraoperative adverse events such as hypotension and oxygen requirement (p < 0.0001, p = 0.015, p = 0.0054, respectively). Additionally, group 1 demonstrated a significant increase in postoperative comfort scores (p = 0.02) and post-operative anxiety score (STAI Y-1 scores delta 2±2points p=0.03) but no difference was found in patients regarding satisfaction scores (p=0.3).
Conclusion
Intraoperative VR distraction significantly reduces patient anxiety in ACL-R surgery under SA. It results in decreased intraoperative adverse events and increased postoperative comfort. Patient satisfaction remains unaffected by the use of VR distraction.