Virtual Reality Glasses Reduce Anxiety and Improve Comfort During Prostate Biopsy: Study Shows
Türkiye: A recent randomized controlled study published in Seminars in Oncology Nursing by Gamze Bozkul from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Tarsus University, Türkiye, and colleagues suggests that virtual reality (VR) glasses may significantly improve patient experience during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB).
The findings indicate that VR-based interventions can reduce anxiety and enhance comfort, while also showing potential in lowering certain procedure-related complications.
Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is a standard diagnostic tool for suspected prostate cancer, but it is often associated with pain, discomfort, and complications such as urinary retention, hematuria, rectal bleeding, and infection. Additionally, patients frequently experience significant anxiety due to the invasive nature of the procedure and concerns about a potential cancer diagnosis.
To improve patient experience, nonpharmacological strategies like virtual reality (VR) are being explored. VR immerses patients in calming 3D environments, helping divert attention from procedural discomfort, and is increasingly being integrated into nursing care.
For this purpose, the researchers conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 70 patients undergoing TRUS-guided biopsy. Participants were equally assigned to a VR group or a standard care group. The VR group viewed nature-based 3D content during the procedure, while the control group received routine care. Anxiety and comfort were assessed before and after the procedure, and complications were monitored over the first 24 hours.
The researchers reported the following findings:
- Baseline anxiety and comfort levels were similar between the VR and control groups.
- Post-procedure, the VR group showed significantly lower anxiety levels.
- Patients using VR reported markedly improved comfort compared to standard care.
- These findings support VR as an effective adjunct in clinical practice.
- Most complications within 24 hours did not differ significantly between groups.
- Urinary retention was significantly lower in the VR group (0 cases vs 5 in control).
- Other complications were not statistically different but occurred less frequently in the VR group.
- Overall, VR use demonstrated a potential clinical benefit in improving patient experience and outcomes.
The authors highlighted that VR glasses are a safe, noninvasive, cost-effective, and easily implementable tool for nursing care. In procedures like prostate biopsy, they may help alleviate patient anxiety and improve the overall experience.
However, the study has limitations, including its single-center design and small sample size, which may affect generalizability and limit the detection of rare complications. Blinding was also not feasible due to the nature of the intervention.
Overall, the findings support VR glasses as an effective approach to reduce anxiety and enhance comfort during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy, with the potential to lower certain complications.
Reference:
Bozkul, G., Dölek, E. K., Uğraş, G. A., & Bozlu, M. (2026). The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Application on Anxiety, Comfort, and Complication Development During Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy: A Randomized Controlled Study. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 152225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2026.152225
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