Postoperative analgesic requirements in patients exposed to positive intraoperative suggestions.
OBJECTIVE
To establish whether positive suggestions given to a patient under general anaesthesia reduce postoperative pain and analgesic requirements.


METHODS
Prospective double blind randomised study.


METHODS
Operating theatre and gynaecology ward of a teaching hospital.


METHODS
63 Woman undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy were randomised to be played either a tape of positive suggestions or a blank tape during the operation through a personal stereo system.


METHODS
Three women were withdrawn from the study. Anaesthesia was standardised for all of the women. Postoperative analgesia was provided through a patient controlled analgesia system for the first 24 hours. Pain scores were recorded every six hours.


METHODS
Morphine consumption over the first 24 hours after the operation; pain scores.


RESULTS
Mean morphine requirements were 51.0 mg (95% confidence interval 42.1 to 60.0 mg in the women played positive suggestions; and 65.7 mg (55.6 to 75.7 mg) in those played a blank tape. The point estimate (95% confidence interval) for the difference of means was 14.6 mg (22.4%) (1.9 (2.9%) to 27.3 mg (41.6%] (p = 0.028). Pain scores were similar in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Positive intraoperative suggestions seem to have a significant effect in reducing patients' morphine requirements in the early postoperative period.
McLintock
T T
TT
Department of Anaesthetics, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow.
Aitken
H
H
Downie
C F
CF
Kenny
G N
GN
D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013404:Suggestion; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology
D009020:Morphine