The Effectiveness of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Surgical Pain Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors' conclusion
Evidence from RCTs indicates that the use of immersive VR during minor procedures may reduce procedural pain, decrease anxiety, and improve satisfaction.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing surgery, minor procedures or postoperative physiotherapy35 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- VR/AR interventions for surgical pain relief
- Outcome
- Pain relief
Methodological detailsnarrative synthesis without meta-analysis, RoB 2 risk of bias assessment, Some concerns about potential bias for most studies; blinding of assessors and participants challenging
- Narrative synthesis without meta-analysis
- RoB 2 risk of bias assessment
- Some concerns about potential bias for most studies; blinding of assessors and participants challenging
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pain
- Surgery (n = 12): most studies reported no differences in pain, but potential for reduced anxiety and sedation requirements
- Minor procedures (n = 15): most studies reported decreased pain and anxiety during the procedure
- Home-based AR physiotherapy after knee replacement (n = 6): similar pain and functional outcomes
- Narrative synthesis without meta-analysis due to substantial heterogeneity
Further pooled results
Costs of home-based AR physiotherapy (12 weeks)
- Reduction of mean costs in 1 large study (n = 306)
- $2745
Hemodynamics (minor procedures)
- Studies reporting increased heart rate
- 2
- Studies reporting better hemodynamic stability
- 2
Safety
- No important adverse effects noted with VR/AR
Original publication
The Effectiveness of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Surgical Pain Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Anesth Analg. Published 1 August 2024. doi:10.
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