Use of Virtual Reality Technologies in Management of Anxiety and Discomfort During Endoscopy Procedure

Digestive endoscopies are performed either for diagnostic purposes (e.g. suspicion of cancer or monitoring of chronic diseases) or for therapeutic purposes (treatment of digestive haemorrhage, removal of polyps, etc.). Some endoscopies are performed under local anaesthetic, which can cause considerable anxiety in anticipation of the procedure and considerable discomfort during the procedure. Other endoscopies are performed under general anaesthetic for more extensive procedures on outpatients or inpatients. Anxiety prior to anaesthesia is likely to increase the perception of pain, increase the need for anaesthetic products and thus increase the time to complete awakening. Complementary techniques such as hypnotherapy can be used before the operation, with proven effectiveness. But these techniques require dedicated and specifically trained staff, as well as additional time. Virtual reality technologies, and in particular virtual reality headsets, allow instant immersion in a relaxing world. Therapeutic virtual reality headsets (TRVH) have been shown to be effective in reducing pre-operative anxiety and pain perception. Our hypothesis is that the use of a CRVT could reduce the consumption of anaesthetic products, reduce anxiety, improve overall satisfaction and reduce the length of outpatient hospitalisation during digestive endoscopy procedures.