SynthesisInternational journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics2026
Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality-based interventions for alleviating peri- and post-procedural pain and anxiety in gynecologic settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundNon-pharmacological and complementary therapeutic, notably immersive virtual reality-based interventions (IVR), could alleviate pain and anxiety associated with gynecologic procedures.
objectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of IVR in reducing peri- and post-procedural pain and anxiety in gynecologic procedures. Secondarily, to determine the safety of IVR. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, after searching in PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete and PEDro from database inception to September 2025 with no language or publication date restrictions set. SELECTION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria were based on the PICOS framework: Population (patients undergoing gynecologic procedures), Intervention (IVR), Comparison (standard care or other therapeutic approaches), Outcomes (pain, anxiety and adverse events) and Study design (randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pooled effects were calculated using Cohen's standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in a random-effects model. Potential adverse events during IVR exposure were also compiled. MAIN
resultsA total of 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising data from 2438 women (mean age 35.3 ± 12.6 years), were included. Intraprocedural outcomes indicated that IVR significantly decreased both pain (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.21, P < 0.001) and anxiety (SMD = -0.33, 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.03, P = 0.031). Post-procedurally, IVR yielded further reductions in pain (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.5, P < 0.001) and anxiety (SMD = -0.76, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.3, P = 0.001). Reported adverse events were minor and infrequent.
conclusionThis meta-analysis suggests that IVR serves as a highly effective and safe non-pharmacological adjunct for mitigating peri- and post-procedural pain and anxiety in gynecologic settings. Translating these findings into clinical practice could substantially enhance patient care and overall experience. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD420251000835.
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