Virtual Reality for Colorectal Cancer Surgery Consent

In a pilot trial, colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery were randomized to receive standard consent (CT images) or virtual reality (VR) consent (CT images and immersive VR models). While not statistically significant, VR showed a trend toward improved patient-reported understanding, with most patients preferring VR as an educational tool. Well-tolerated and enjoyable, VR’s feasibility in outpatient clinics for colorectal cancer surgery suggests the need for a statistically powered study to assess its impact on patient understanding.