Use of preoperative hypnosis to reduce postoperative pain and anesthesia-related side effects

  • Michael W. Lew
  • , Kathy Kravits
  • , Carlos Garberoglio
  • , Anna Cathy Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot project was to test the feasibility of hypnosis as a preoperative intervention. The unique features of this study were: (a) use of a standardized nurse-delivered hypnosis protocol, (b) intervention administration immediately prior to surgery in the preoperative holding area, and (c) provision of hypnosis to breast cancer surgery patients receiving general anesthesia. A mixed-method design was used. Data collected from the intervention group and historical control group included demographics, symptom assessments, medication administration, and surgical, anesthesia, and recovery minutes. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the intervention group. A reduction in anxiety, worry, nervousness, sadness, irritability, and distress was found from baseline to postintervention while pain and nausea increased. The results support further exploration of the use of nurse-led preoperative hypnosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)406-423
Number of pages18
JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
Volume59
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Complementary and Manual Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology

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