Effectiveness of Medical Hypnosis in Virtual Reality on Preoperative Anxiety in Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Anxiety is a predominant factor among patients prior to surgery, particularly in the context of outpatient surgery, where the speed of care and same-day discharge can exacerbate this stress. National patient satisfaction surveys, such as e-SATIS CA, show that many patients report significant anxiety before their surgery, which can affect the outcome of the operation and the recovery process. Medical hypnosis has been shown to be an effective way to reduce anxiety in patients before surgery. Indeed, several studies highlight the psychological and physiological benefits of this method for patients who are anxious before minor or major surgery. Hypnosis allows for deep relaxation, helping to better manage the emotions and fears associated with surgery. New technologies, such as virtual reality, are now being integrated into hypnosis practices to improve their effectiveness. Virtual immersion provides distraction and an environment conducive to hypnosis, facilitating induction and further reducing preoperative anxiety. In this context, we wish to conduct a single-center clinical investigation to determine whether the use of the HypnoVR virtual reality headset can help reduce anxiety in patients undergoing outpatient carpal tunnel surgery.