A recent study from Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi suggests that playing music during general anaesthesia may reduce the need for anaesthetic drugs and improve recovery times. Conducted with 56 adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the study highlighted that patients listened to calming instrumental pieces through headphones. This practice appears to allow for lower doses of propofol and fentanyl compared to those who did not hear music, leading to quicker conscious recovery and more stable vital signs during surgery.
The researchers aimed to investigate whether music could help mitigate the body’s stress response to surgery, which often impacts recovery. According to Dr. Farah Husain, a senior anaesthesia specialist involved in the study, achieving a clear-headed and pain-free awakening is essential for early discharge following surgery. This goal is traditionally accomplished through a blend of several anaesthetic drugs.
Notably, patients in the music group experienced smoother recoveries and lower stress hormone levels, as indicated by lower cortisol throughout the procedure. The findings emphasize that while patients are unconscious due to anaesthesia, their auditory pathways remain active, allowing them to register sounds, including music. This raises questions about the potential of integrating non-pharmacological interventions, such as music therapy, into anaesthesia practices to enhance patient outcomes.
The study signifies a shift in how music therapy is regarded within medical settings, extending its uses beyond psychiatry and rehabilitation to the surgical field. As the research team prepares to further explore music-aided sedation, the implications of these findings may contribute to evolving practices regarding patient care and recovery in operating rooms.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c231dv9zpz3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss