Virtual reality to help recovery after major abdominal surgery
Effect of Virtual Reality on Quality of Recovery and Hospital Stay After Major Abdominal Surgery
This project tests whether immersive virtual reality sessions can help adults having elective major abdominal surgery reduce pain, ease anxiety, and shorten hospital stays.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Alexandria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07493499 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial at a university hospital using an established ERAS protocol. Sixty adults scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery are randomized 1:1 to receive standard perioperative care with or without supplemental immersive VR sessions starting the evening before surgery and continuing through postoperative day three. The primary outcome is quality of recovery measured by the QoR-15 at 72 hours after surgery, with secondary outcomes including length of hospital stay, postoperative pain intensity, total opioid use, and time to first ambulation and oral intake. Standardized VR content focuses on guided relaxation and mindfulness-based stress reduction delivered via head-mounted displays.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 to 60 scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery who can consent, follow the hospital's ERAS pathway, and can tolerate and use a VR headset are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy or photosensitive seizures, severe visual or auditory impairment, significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders, pre-existing severe motion sickness or vertigo, or head/face wounds that prevent headset use are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding VR could reduce postoperative pain and anxiety, lower opioid needs, and speed recovery so patients leave the hospital sooner without extra medications.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller trials and pilot studies in perioperative and acute pain settings have shown that VR can reduce pain and anxiety, but evidence specifically for major abdominal surgery and reductions in length of stay remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 to 60 years. * Scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery (e.g., colorectal, gastric, or hepatobiliary procedures). * Physical and cognitive ability to provide informed consent. * Ability to use and interact with Virtual Reality (VR) equipment (head-mounted display). * Followed the standardized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol at the hospital. Exclusion Criteria: \- Patients with a history of epilepsy or photosensitive seizures. * Significant cognitive impairment or diagnosed psychiatric disorders that may interfere with study participation. * Severe visual or auditory impairments that prevent effective interaction with VR content. * Patients with pre-existing motion sickness or severe vertigo. * Presence of open wounds or infections in the head or face area that prevent wearing the VR headset.
Where this trial is running
Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate
- Alexandria University Hospital, Faculty of Nursing — Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed Fakhry Ahmed Salem Dr. Mohamed Fakhry Ahmed Salem, PhD
- Email: Mohamed.Fakhry@alexu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201286038014
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.