26.11.2025 17:12
A 70-year-old patient who underwent a herniated disc surgery with lower body anesthesia at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Hospital explored the historical and tourist sites of Istanbul using virtual reality goggles. The patient, expressing satisfaction with the experience, said, "It really relaxed me. As far as I remember, I walked around Topkapi. I recommend it to other patients. The goggles take away the tension of the operating room."
Seventy-year-old patient Tayfun Yılmaz, who underwent a herniated disc operation at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University (KSÜ) Hospital, toured Istanbul while wearing virtual reality glasses during the surgery.
With his lower body anesthetized, Tayfun Yılmaz had the opportunity to see historical and tourist sites in Istanbul through a virtual tour while being operated on. KSÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Alptekin Yasım stated that the use of virtual reality technology in operating room environments significantly contributes to the comfort and psychology of patients.
"PATIENT CAN GO WHEREVER THEY WANT DURING SURGERY"
Yasım mentioned that they aim to reduce pre-surgery anxiety and lower patients' stress levels with virtual reality, saying, "Our patients will not only receive treatment during surgery but will also be able to transport their minds wherever they wish. With this technology, we can take the patient on a virtual journey to their desired location during the operation, for example, to Istanbul, Cappadocia, or a favorite spot in their hometown. This will reduce anxiety and make the treatment process more comfortable." he stated.
"APPLICATION REDUCES PATIENT'S STRESS"
Prof. Dr. Hafize Öksüz, Dean of the KSÜ Faculty of Medicine, also expressed that scientific studies have shown this technology reduces patients' pain and anxiety levels. Öksüz stated, "A patient wearing virtual reality glasses feels like they are in a forest, by the sea, or in a peaceful environment instead of the operating room. This application significantly reduces the patient's perception of anxiety, stress, and pain related to the surgery."
Prof. Dr. Gözen Öksüz, a specialist in Anesthesiology and Reanimation at KSÜ Faculty of Medicine, also noted that they calmed the patient, who was anesthetized from the waist down, using virtual reality glasses instead of medication.
Öksüz explained that the patient was very satisfied and underwent the surgery in a relaxed and calm manner, stating that they would continue the application, especially for patients who do not want to use medication but need to calm down, if there is demand.
"GLASSES RELIEVE THE TENSION IN THE OPERATING ROOM"
Tayfun Yılmaz stated that his tension from the surgery was alleviated thanks to the virtual reality glasses.
Yılmaz said, "I toured Istanbul. I was very happy. It relaxed me a lot. After that, I got rid of the tension caused by the surgery at that moment. I remember I toured Topkapi. I recommend it to patients. The glasses relieve the tension in the operating room. They relax a person." he said.