Preoperative virtual reality training to reduce anxiety and improve readiness and recovery for colorectal cancer surgery patients

The Effect of Preoperative Training With Virtual Reality on Anxiety, Readiness for Surgery and Recovery Process of Patients in Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07294690

This tests whether using virtual reality glasses before colorectal cancer surgery can reduce anxiety, make patients feel more ready, and help recovery go smoother.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT07294690 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery will be assigned to receive preoperative preparation using virtual reality glasses, written brochures, or usual care, and outcomes will be compared across groups. Measures will include patient-reported anxiety, comfort, readiness for surgery, satisfaction, and elements of the recovery process measured before and after surgery. Individuals with psychiatric illness, active nausea/vomiting/headache, sensory impairments, or a seizure history are excluded to reduce risk and confounding. The study is conducted at İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and focuses on Turkish-speaking, communicative patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery who agree to participate, can read and write Turkish, and are conscious and communicative are eligible provided they do not meet exclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric disorders, a diagnosed anxiety disorder on medication, active nausea/vomiting/headache, vision or hearing problems, or a history of seizures are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the VR intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, preoperative virtual reality training could lower patients' pre-surgery anxiety, increase preparedness, and contribute to a smoother or faster recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies of preoperative virtual reality in other surgical settings have reported reductions in anxiety and improved patient satisfaction, but evidence specifically in colorectal cancer surgery is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Agreement to participate in the study, Ability to read and write in Turkish, Being conscious and communicative.

Exclusion Criteria:

Those with any psychiatric illness, Those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and taking medication for anxiety, Those with active nausea, vomiting, or headache, Those with vision or hearing problems, Those with a history of seizures

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anxiety, Surgical Preparation, and Recovery Process in Colorectal Cancer Surgerycolorectal surgeryAnxietySurgical PreparationRecovery Process
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.