Effect of virtual reality on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality video on preoperative anxiety, hemodynamic parameters, and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Methods This was a prospective, observational cohort trial. Forty patients between the ages of 18-65 who were scheduled for elective septorhinoplasty, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II were included in the study. Patients experienced a 15-minute virtual reality (VR) video via a phone using a VR device. A three-dimensional, 360° video depicted the beauty of nature and was accompanied by meditation music. Patients' oxygen saturation values, heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored and recorded. Using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale, anxiety scores and hemodynamic parameters were compared before and after VR application. Results Median anxiety scores decreased significantly from 40.5 to 34 (p< 0.001). VR also had positive effects on hemodynamic parameters. Conclusions VR reduces preoperative anxiety and has positive effects on hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. We anticipate that VR will be increasingly used as a non-pharmacological preoperative approach in the future.