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Flute Music Soothes Surgical Patients
25 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Music played during surgery aids faster patient recovery.
- Lower anesthesia drug doses were needed with music.
- Auditory pathways remain partly active under anesthesia.
In Delhi's operating theaters, a novel approach is being tested to enhance patient recovery from general anesthesia. Surgeons are incorporating gentle flute music through headphones during procedures like gallbladder removal.
The study indicates that patients exposed to music during surgery awaken more quickly and clearly. This is attributed to requiring lower doses of anesthetic drugs, including propofol and opioid painkillers, compared to those who had no music.
This research, published in the journal Music and Medicine, provides compelling evidence that music can meaningfully reduce drug needs and improve the post-operative experience. The findings suggest that even while silenced by anesthesia, the brain's auditory pathway remains partially active.
