Like hypnosis, virtual reality can be used in the operating room in addition to local anesthesia. A helmet covers the eyes and ears, the patient is transported into a bucolic three-dimensional landscape, his attention is held by a soothing voice while the doctor operates. One of the advantages of this technology, which still has a modest role in French hospitals, has just been highlighted in a study that has been published: Plos One:It makes it possible to reduce the doses of sedatives used during the procedure when the patient shows signs of pain or discomfort.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Hospital (USA) compared the journeys of nearly thirty adults undergoing benign hand surgery with and without a virtual reality program. While they received fewer medications designed to induce drowsiness, patients who took advantage of the immersion program showed similar levels of postoperative satisfaction…
Source: Le Figaro
