Virtual Reality Games in Pediatric Surgery

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Virtual Reality Games Versus Nitrous Oxide for Pain Reduction in Common Outpatient Procedures in Pediatric Surgery

Randomized controlled trial reporting the pain levels and pain control/reduction of children at the age of 6-15 undergoing surgical procedures by using virtual reality gaming (VR) compared to nitrous oxide. Therefore, 50 patients in each treatment group are recruited, resulting in 100 children altogether. The pain levels and pain control/reduction is measured by the standard anesthesia protocol normally used when nitrous oxide is applied and questionnaires that are administered to the patients at baseline and two weeks after surgery including both the primary and secondary outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Indication to undergo an elective minor surgical procedure (removal of percutaneous osteosynthesis or pin material or dressing change)
• Written informed consent by parents
• Written informed consent by patient if patient is 14 or 15 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to understand the VR-program
• Inability to fill in the questionnaire because of language deficiencies
• Neurologic disorders
• Respiratory tract infections
• Intolerance of the VR headset or VR gaming procedure