Using virtual reality to aid recovery after bariatric surgery
Postoperative Virtual Reality (VR) for Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
This study tests if using virtual reality can help people recover better and need less pain medication after weight loss surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04754165 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of immersive virtual reality (VR) on recovery outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. It is a randomized, controlled trial conducted at a single center, where patients will receive VR interventions during the immediate postoperative period alongside an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The primary goal is to assess whether VR can improve patient-reported quality of recovery and reduce the need for opioid pain relief compared to standard ERAS practices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with certain medical conditions, or chronic opioid dependence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery experiences and reduce opioid use for patients after bariatric surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in postoperative recovery is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results in improving recovery experiences.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: - Patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery at BIDMC under general anesthesia. Exclusion Criteria: * Age\<18 * Open wounds or active infection of the face or eye area * History of seizures or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition * Patients with hearing aids who are unable to tolerate wearing headphones with their hearing aids * Patients with a pacemaker or other implanted medical device * Droplet or airborne precautions (as determined by BIDMC infection control policy) * Non English Speaking or non Spanish Speaking * Chronic opioid dependence (existing oral opioid prescription for \>3 months, methadone, suboxone) Drop Out Criteria: (after enrollment and randomization, before intervention) - Surgery is converted to an open procedure (laparotomy), the patient will be withdrawn from the study as these patients are treated in a manner that is different than standard ERAS protocols
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian P O'Gara, MD,MP — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brian P O'Gara, MD,MPH
- Email: bpogara@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-754-3189
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.