The Role of VR in Post-operative Care

For most patients, care after surgery consists of opioid pharmacological practices. As we have seen with past experiences and general knowledge, opioids are dangerously addictive and can inhibit the body in ways that can alter its function. However, recent studies have proposed a new solution: Virtual reality (VR). VR is being increasingly explored as a tool for enhancing postoperative care, specifically as a pain-reliever that doesn’t involve drugs.

Meta-analyses show that VR interventions significantly reduce pain compared to usual care. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials involving 723 patients showed that VR lowered postoperative pain scores in settings ranging from minor to major surgery (Effects of Virtual Reality on Relieving Postoperative Pain, 2020). VR’s immersiveness distracts patients from pain by engaging the senses. Similarly, a systematic review found that VR interventions lowered patient anxiety before and after the surgery (Efficacy of Virtual Reality as a Treatment Modality on Preoperative vs Postoperative Anxiety, 2024).

The benefits of VR extend beyond pain management. A controlled trial known as the “VRECOVERY” study studied the use of VR for heart surgery patients. It showed that those who used VR distraction therapy from post-op days one to three showed faster pain reduction compared to the control (The Effect of Virtual Reality on Postoperative Anxiety and Pain in Patients Following Cardiac Surgery, 2024). Anxiety also decreased. Another study combining VR with wearable devices (Fitbits) for head and neck surgery patients showed a great reduction in opioid use (8.8 morphine mg per day vs. 26.4 in control) (Pandrangi et al., 2025). 

In orthopedic surgery, VR has demonstrated encouraging results. A review found that VR improved short-term pain, functional scores, and overall patient satisfaction, although their ranges of motion were inconsistent (Effectiveness of Virtual Reality on Postoperative Pain, Disability and Range of Movement After Knee Replacement, 2024). 

Despite the benefits, challenges inevitably remain. Many studies show short-term improvements, but sustainability of VR’s effects is very unclear (Malik et al., 2024). Barriers include but are not limited to discomfort from headsets, motion sickness, and variable adherence rates. These issues prevent VR technology from being widely usable (Pandrangi et al., 2025). In addition differences in surgical types and VR duration make it difficult to create standard protocols. 

VR has emerged as a promising adjunct to conventional postoperative care. It effectively reduces pain and anxiety, lessens opioid use, and enhances patient satisfaction. Future research should focus on refining implementation methods, ensuring accessibility, and confirming long-term outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, VR may soon become a standard component of surgery recovery plans

by Saket Parayil at Incisionary

 APA References:

Effects of virtual reality on relieving postoperative pain in surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2020). International Journal of Surgery, 82, 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.07.041

Efficacy of virtual reality as a treatment modality on preoperative vs postoperative patient anxiety: A systematic review. (2024). Journal of Perioperative Practice, 34(6), 412–420. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39926843

The effect of virtual reality on postoperative anxiety and pain in patients following cardiac surgery: The VRECOVERY randomized controlled trial. (2024). European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 66(2), 287–295. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39673743

Pandrangi, V. C., Araujo, A. V., Buncke, M., Olson, B., Jorizzo, M., Said-Al-Naief, N., ... & Li, R. J. (2025). Postoperative implementation of virtual reality and wearable devices: Opportunities and challenges. Laryngoscope, 135(6), 2044–2050. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.30871

Effectiveness of virtual reality on postoperative pain, disability and range of movement after knee replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2024). Life, 14(3), 289. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14030289

Malik, A., Elshazly, T., Pokuri, K., Apai, C., Rothkrug, A., Hasoon, J., ... & Robinson, C. L. (2024). Virtual reality for postoperative pain management: A review of current evidence. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 28(12), 1145–1157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-024-01175-8