Selkäkirurgian tutkimuspoiminta
Virtual reality and anxiety around surgery
A new trial found less anxiety during leg surgery with spinal anesthesia. The study did not test spine surgery.
Mistä tutkimuksessa oli kyse?
Researchers assigned 160 patients to use virtual reality or receive usual care. Each group had 60 patients in the final analysis. The virtual reality group reported less anxiety after surgery. High anxiety affected 25% of that group and 50% of the control group. Fewer patients in the virtual reality group received midazolam, a sedative medicine. They also reported less nausea and headache, and greater satisfaction. The study appeared in Health Science Reports. [PubMed summary](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42787594/)
Miksi tämä on kiinnostavaa?
Anxiety and comfort also matter around spine surgery. This study tests a digital distraction during care. Its results raise a question for future spine research, but they do not show a benefit for people having spine surgery.
Mitä potilas voi tästä ajatella?
Virtual reality reduced anxiety in this trial. The study did not show that it reduces pain or improves recovery after spine surgery. Patients can ask their care team about comfort methods during surgery.
Mitä tämä voi tarkoittaa tulevaisuudessa?
Researchers should test virtual reality during spine surgery at several hospitals. They should measure anxiety, pain, medicine use, side effects, and recovery. They should also learn which patients can use headsets safely and comfortably. Later studies can compare different programs, including ones that adapt to patient feedback.