The VELOCIRAPTOR trial (Virtual rEaLity OverComIng pRacticAl challenge of PosTOpeRative pain) is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in reducing postoperative pain, anxiety, and analgesic consumption following visceral oncologic surgery. A total of 150 patients undergoing elective open abdominal oncologic resection will be randomized to either a VR intervention group or a control group receiving standard care. Patients in the VR group will receive a 20-minute immersive VR intervention on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, featuring calming environments such as beach, forest, or underwater scenarios.

The primary endpoint is pain intensity, assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary endpoints include cumulative opioid consumption, reduction of anxiety and stress as measured by the STAI-6, quality of postoperative recovery assessed by the QoR-15, patient satisfaction, and postoperative morbidity and mortality according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The aim of the study is to validate VR as an innovative, non-pharmacological adjunct to postoperative pain management.