Dados do Trabalho

Título

Evaluation of the effectiveness of virtual reality as a therapeutic method to reduce opioid consumption in postoperative cardiac and thoracic surgery

Objetivo

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a therapeutic method to reduce opioid consumption in the postoperative period. Secondary objectives include evaluating the occurrence of nausea and vomiting, length of hospital and ICU stay, duration of mechanical and non-invasive ventilation, incidence of paralytic ileus, patient satisfaction, pain intensity, and postoperative cognitive status.

Métodos

The study will be a prospective, randomized, single-center clinical trial involving 60 patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgeries at InCor-HCFMUSP. Patients will be divided into three groups: Group 1 will receive standard anesthesia protocol plus VR (with interactive games and passive image contemplation); Group 2 will receive standard anesthesia protocol plus VR (with passive image contemplation); and Group 3 will be the control group, receiving only the standard anesthesia protocol. VR will be applied in 4 daily sessions over 5 consecutive days.

Resultados

A preliminary pilot study with 6 patients indicated a significant reduction in postoperative pain intensity, with a mean decrease of 20% in the Visual Analog Scale (from 8.5 ± 1.2 to 6.8 ± 1.0 points; p < 0.05). There was also a 17% reduction in opioid consumption (from 32 ± 3 mg to 26.6 ± 2 mg; p < 0.05). Patient feedback was predominantly positive.

Conclusão

Virtual Reality has shown promise in postoperative pain management, with the potential to reduce opioid use and improve patient recovery.