VR goggles could replace pills for teen surgery anxiety

NCT ID NCT06446518

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Semmelweis University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether using a virtual reality headset during and after chest surgery could help teenagers feel less anxious and need fewer painkillers. Fifty teens aged 13-18 having a specific chest surgery (MIRPE) were randomly assigned to use VR or not. Researchers measured their anxiety with a standard questionnaire and tracked their pain levels and vital signs. The goal was to see if VR, as a distraction tool, could improve the surgical experience without medication.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: virtual reality exposure (device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give doctors a simple, non-drug tool to help teens feel less anxious and in less pain during and after surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 50 participants. The results may not apply to all teens or other types of surgery. VR might not work for everyone and could cause dizziness or nausea.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pectus excavatum

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PECTUS DEFORMITY PECTUS EXCAVATUM

Contacts and locations

Locations

Paediatric Centre, Semmelweis University

Budapest, Budapest, 1083, Hungary

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