Effect Of Virtual Reality Distraction On Anxiety During Various Surgery Under Spinal Anaesthesia

Abstract

Background: Regional anaesthesia avoids general anaesthesia risks but can cause anxiety. Sedatives
like midazolam help but have side effects. Virtual Reality (VR) distraction might reduce anxiety without these
risks. Objective: Evaluate VR distraction versus midazolam sedation on patient satisfaction and anxiety during
spinal anaesthesia. Case Presentation: In this study, 60 patients were divided into VR (n=30) and sedation
(n=30) groups. Baseline demographics, intraoperative vital parameters, and postoperative satisfaction were
recorded. Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes included
satisfaction of surgeons and anaesthesiologists, and incidence of involuntary movements, desaturation,
apnea, and hemodynamic changes. Results: The VR group reported higher patient satisfaction (mean score
4.73 vs. 4.4, p=0.1) and anesthesiologist satisfaction (mean score 4.47 vs. 3.73, p=0.007). Apnea (3.33% vs.
20%, p=0.02) and desaturation (3.33% vs. 13.33%, p=0.04) were lower in the VR group, which also had fewer
intraoperative movements and less tachycardia. Conclusion: VR distraction during spinal anesthesia improves
patient and anesthesiologist satisfaction, reduces perioperative anxiety, and lessens hemodynamic
instability, offering a safe and effective non-pharmacological alternative for anxiety management in surgical
settings. [Patel V Natl J Integr Res Med, 2026; 17(1): 1-9, Published on Dated: 07/07/2026]