The effect of virtual reality on perioperative pain management in patients undergoing gastrointestinal procedures and surgeries: a systematic review of clinical trials.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced technology that transports users into a virtual world. It has been proven to be effective in pain management via distraction and alteration of pain perception. However, the impact of VR on treating perioperative pain is inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of VR on perioperative pain after a gastrointestinal (GI) procedure or surgery.

Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted from inception to January 31, 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The updated Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2) assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results: Of 724 articles screened, 8 studies with 678 participants were included in the systematic review. Four studies evaluated the effect of VR on perioperative pain during GI procedure (eg, colonoscopy) focused on its use after GI surgeries (eg, abdominal surgeries). Some studies reported a reduction in pain scores after the procedure; however, the findings of pain difference in before or during vs after the procedure in the VR vs control groups were mixed.

Conclusion: VR is a promising tool to control perioperative pain after a GI procedure or surgery. Differences in study protocols, pain assessment scales, and pain therapy used were limitations in performing a comprehensive meta-analysis. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the effects of VR on perioperative pain compared with standard of care.