Hypnotherapy and the Control of Pain and Symptom Relief in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery

In this randomized trial 200 women, who were about to undergo excisional tumour biopsy or lumpectomy, were assigned into one of two groups. The first group received a brief psychologist-conducted hypnosis intervention. The second group received a single non-directed listening session with a psychologist.

Results showed patients in the hypnotherapy group required less sedatives and anaesthesia, during surgery than those who did not receive the treatment. Hypnosis was superior to attention control regarding propofol and lidocaine use; pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort, and emotional upset at discharge. Furthermore, the hypnosis group spent less time in surgery resulting in lower hospital costs than the control group.

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