Effects of multisensory stimulation based on immersive virtual reality in postoperative neuropsychiatric recovery after gynecological laparoscopy

Patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery (GLS) often experience postoperative complications, including acute postoperative pain (APSP). This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of immersive virtual reality-based and aromatherapy-enhanced multisensory stimulation (IVR-MS) in patients undergoing GLS. This prospective, randomized controlled trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov on 4/03/2025 (NCT06922838). Participants were randomly assigned to the IVR-MS group (received IVR combined with olfactory stimulation for enhanced multisensory stimulation), the IVR group (received IVR intervention), and the aromatherapy group (received lavender aromatherapy). From baseline to postoperative 24 hours, pain response, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), anxiety, sleep quality, comfort level, rescue analgesic, and abdominal distension were evaluated in patients. Ultimately, 124 participants completed all analyses. Significant statistical differences were observed among the three groups in postoperative pain scores, PCA usage, anxiety levels, comfort, and sleep quality following the intervention. However, no significant differences were found in the classification of abdominal distension. Trial registration This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (Registration Number: NCT06922838, Registration Date: april 03th, 2025).