A new study from Lok Nayak Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi reveals that playing music during laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery can significantly enhance patient recovery and reduce the need for sedatives. Published in the November issue of Music and Medicine, this research involved 56 adults aged 18 to 64, who were monitored between March 2023 and January 2024.
The typical duration of the surgery is about one hour, with a standard regimen of anesthesia administered to all participants. Each patient received a set of five drugs, including a sedative, a muscle relaxant, and treatments for nausea and pain management. Dr. Sonia Wadhawan, a key figure in the study and director-professor of anaesthesia, noted the careful administration and assessment of anesthetic dosages for all subjects.
The researchers aimed to determine how music could alleviate surgical stress and possibly allow for lower doses of sedatives and painkillers during procedures. Dr. Farah Husain, a co-author and certified music therapist, highlighted that patients exposed to music therapy reported markedly reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and displayed more stable vital signs.
Results indicate that participants who listened to music during surgery required 15% less propofol—an anesthetic used to induce unconsciousness—and about 38% less fentanyl, which manages pain and stabilizes heart rate fluctuations. Moreover, those who experienced music therapy were observed to have better postoperative recovery and overall relaxation, as noted by Dr. Tanvi Goel, a former senior resident in anaesthesia.
Post-surgery cortisol levels provide further insights; while the control group’s levels soared to an average of 536 International Units (IU) per milliliter, the music group averaged a much lower 417 IU per milliliter.
The study design was rigorous, employing a double-blind methodology where neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was receiving the actual treatment, enhancing the validity of the findings. Each patient was randomly assigned to one of two groups, with options to select music from flute or piano genres.
Importantly, the auditory pathways in patients remained responsive even while under anesthesia, suggesting that while they may not remember the experience explicitly, some form of implicit recall appears to occur.
During the surgeries, a Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor was utilized to ensure precise monitoring and adjustment of anesthetic dosages, aiding in awareness prevention and promoting quicker recovery. The researchers concluded that integrating non-pharmacological methods like music therapy into surgical practices could offer promising benefits, suggesting further exploration in this area due to the lack of adverse effects associated with music therapy. Overall, this study signifies the potential of music as a valuable tool in enhancing surgical experiences and outcomes for patients.