Lew, M.W., Kravits, K., Garberoglio, C., & Williams, A.C. (2011). Use of preoperative hypnosis to reduce postoperative pain and anesthesia-related side effects. The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 59(4), 406–423.
To test the feasibility of hypnosis as a preoperative intervention; to explore the effects of preoperative hypnosis on anxiety and pain
Investigators gathered baseline assessments of pain, nausea, vomiting, distress, and anxiety. The hypnosis intervention was a 15-minute scripted hypnotic experience provided, within an hour before surgery, in the preoperative holding area of the operating suite. Investigators collected data and interviewed patients postsurgery. Data pertaining to historical controls were obtained from medical records matched for age, date, and type of procedure.
Active treatment
Prospective pre- and postdesign with historical control comparisons; mixed method
Postintervention measures showed a decrease in anxiety, worry, and nervousness; however, authors did not report significant pre- and poststudy differences. The hypnosis group had a higher prevalence of postoperative pain and nausea than did the historical group.
Providing a hypnosis intervention preoperatively appears to be feasible. Results reported do not provide substantial evidence of the efficacy of hypnosis in preventing postoperative pain and nausea.
This study suggests that providing a hypnosis intervention preoperatively can be feasible. The impact of such an intervention cannot be determined from this study.