Surgical Drain Removal: Pain and Anxiety Management

Background: Surgical drain removal may cause pain and anxiety in patients after bariatric surgery. Virtual reality may reduce procedure-related discomfort by directing attention away from painful stimuli. This study evaluated the effect of virtual reality on pain and state anxiety during surgical drain removal after bariatric surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 adult patients who underwent bariatric surgery in a private hospital in Kocaeli, Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to a virtual reality group or a control group at a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the intervention group watched a standardized 360° nature video using virtual reality goggles before and during drain removal, while patients in the control group received routine care. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale, and anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory. Outcomes were measured before and immediately after drain removal. The collected data were statistically analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Being 18 years of age or older. 2. Not having any psychiatric illness, dizziness, vision, hearing, or perception problems. 3. Being willing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Use of painkillers before the procedure. 2. Use of anxiety medication before the procedure.