Virtual Reality Versus Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Maternal Anxiety, Stress, Hemodynamics, and Neonatal Outcomes During Cesarean Section

Cesarean section (CS) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide, with steadily increasing rates across both developed and developing countries.

Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α₂-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been increasingly utilized in obstetric anesthesia because of its anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic properties with minimal respiratory depression.

Non-pharmacological interventions, such as virtual reality (VR), have emerged as innovative strategies for perioperative anxiety management. VR provides immersive distraction, thereby modulating pain perception and reducing stress.

Inclusion criteria

• Age over 18 years old.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II.
• Scheduled for elective cesarean section (CS) delivery under Central Neuraxial Blockade.
• Provide informed consent and agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient's refusal
• Patient known have contraindications for Regional Anesthesia as infection at the site of injection, severe coagulopathy or allergy to local anesthetics.
• Patient with psychiatric disorders.
• Sensory impairment (blindness, deafness).
• Any technical problem preventing proper fitting of the glasses to the patient face.
• Patients with cognitive impairment, epilepsy or with claustrophobia
• Patients with suspected eye infection
• Signs of active labor.
• Pregnancy related-diseases or antepartum hemorrhage.
• Presence of Fetal distress.