Music Eases Surgical Stress, Reduces Drugs

A recent study conducted at Lok Nayak Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi has demonstrated the positive impact of instrumental music during surgical procedures. Researchers found that patients undergoing laparoscopic gallbladder removal who listened to music experienced a notable reduction in their need for anesthetics and pain relief medication.

The findings, published in the journal Music and Medicine, indicate that music therapy led to a 15% decrease in the requirement for propofol, a primary anesthetic drug. Furthermore, patients in the music group needed 38% less fentanyl for pain and blood pressure management. Stress hormone levels, specifically serum cortisol, were also substantially lower in those who received music during the operation.

This research highlights the potential of integrating non-pharmacological tools like music therapy into surgical practices. The double-blind study ensured that neither patients nor researchers knew who received music, confirming the tangible benefits of auditory intervention. The results suggest that even under anesthesia, patients have an implicit recall of music, contributing to a calmer and more efficient recovery.