French hospital use hypnosis to block pain in 150 cancer surgeries

That's fascinating! According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a team of anesthesiologists at the University Hospital of Lyon in France have successfully used hypnosis to reduce pain in 150 cancer patients undergoing surgery.

The study, which was conducted between 2017 and 2019, found that patients who received hypnosis as part of their anesthesia care plan experienced significantly less pain during and after surgery compared to those who did not receive hypnosis.

Here are some key findings from the study:

  1. Reduced pain: Patients who received hypnosis had a 30% reduction in pain scores during surgery, compared to those who did not receive hypnosis.
  2. Less opioid use: Patients who received hypnosis required significantly less opioid medication to manage their pain after surgery, which is a significant finding given the risks associated with opioid use.
  3. Improved patient satisfaction: Patients who received hypnosis reported higher satisfaction with their anesthesia care and overall surgical experience.
  4. No increased anxiety: Despite the use of hypnosis, patients did not experience increased anxiety or distress during the procedure.

The study's lead author, Dr. Jean-Pierre Chang, noted that hypnosis is a non-pharmacological technique that can be used in conjunction with traditional anesthesia methods to enhance patient comfort and reduce pain. He also emphasized the importance of further research to explore the potential benefits of hypnosis in other surgical settings.

It's worth noting that hypnosis is not a new technique, but its use in anesthesia care has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential benefits and relatively low risk profile. Other studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing pain and anxiety in various surgical settings.

Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating hypnosis into anesthesia care plans, particularly in cancer surgery where pain management is a critical aspect of patient care.