The Role of Virtual Reality Technology in Reducing Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Prospective Interventional Randomized Clinical Study

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Committee before recruitment.Adults aged 18-60 years who were scheduled for elective operations under general anesthesia and classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II were considered eligible.Individuals who declined participation, had ASA grade III-IV status, a history of psychiatric illness, IntroductIonPreoperative stress is a widely acknowledged concern among individuals scheduled for surgery.Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) are gaining attention as novel tools in this area. [1]2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] By presenting engaging, interactive environments, VR can divert patients' focus away from the forthcoming operation and induce relaxation without medication. [10][][12][13] Evidence suggests that VR interventions may meaningfully reduce preoperative anxiety in individuals undergoing anesthesia.Patients exposed to VR before surgery often report higher satisfaction and view the perioperative environment as more supportive and patient-centered. 14,15he present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a VR-based intervention with preoperative education in reducing preoperative anxiety among adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, in comparison with a conventional pharmacological agent (T.alprazolam 0.25 mg).