Listening to music during surgical procedures can reduce the amount of anaesthetic drugs required and help patients recover faster [1, 2].
This finding suggests a non-invasive method to lower patient anxiety and modulate pain pathways, potentially reducing the physiological stress associated with major medical interventions.
Scientists said that patients who listen to music during surgery need less propofol to remain unconscious and require fewer additional drugs [2]. Propofol is a common sedative used to induce anesthesia. While the exact reduction in dosage was not specified, the trend indicates a lower requirement than standard dosages [2].
In one instance in India, a patient undergoing gum surgery sang along with artist Sonu Nigam during the procedure [1]. This real-world example highlights how music provides a distraction that can lower the perceived need for higher doses of medication [1, 2].
Medical professionals emphasize that music is a supplementary tool. A health correspondent said research suggests music can be a comforting addition to the medical experience, though it cannot replace anaesthesia or prescribed pain relief [1].
The effect is attributed to the brain's ability to process auditory stimuli, which can distract the mind from pain signals. By modulating these pathways, music helps lower anxiety levels, a factor that often complicates the administration of anaesthesia [2].
“Patients who listen to music during surgery need less propofol for staying unconscious”
Integrating music into surgical protocols represents a shift toward holistic patient care. While it does not replace pharmacological intervention, reducing the volume of anaesthetics like propofol can minimize potential side effects and shorten the time patients spend in a sedated state, leading to more efficient recovery cycles.
