Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 24: As hospitals increasingly look for patient-friendly ways to enhance surgical care, calming music in the operating theatre is emerging as a simple yet effective support tool. New research suggests that even under full anaesthesia, the human brain continues to respond to sound, influencing stress levels, drug requirements and recovery patterns.
A study published in the journal Music and Medicine, focusing on laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures under total intravenous anaesthesia, has highlighted how non-lyrical, slow instrumental music can positively affect the body during surgery. According to the findings, patients exposed to gentle flute and piano compositions required lower doses of the anaesthetic drug propofol and displayed more stable vital signs throughout the procedure.
Researchers observed that soft, predictable melodies appear to calm the nervous system, reducing the stress response typically triggered by surgery. This suggests that deeper brain centres responsible for emotional and autonomic regulation continue to process rhythm and tone, even when patients are unconscious.
Steady, low-frequency music was found to support autonomic balance by reducing sympathetic nervous system activation and promoting parasympathetic calm. Clinicians noted improved heart rate variability, steadier blood pressure and better overall haemodynamic stability in patients who listened to music.
A notable aspect of the study was allowing patients to choose between two calming instrumental tracks. Many opted for a flute-based piece blending Raga Yaman and Raga Kirwani, known for their smooth and soothing flow. Familiar or preferred music appeared to further reduce physiological stress reactions.
Doctors observed that such music helped maintain a calmer internal environment, lowering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and reducing sudden spikes in heart rate and blood pressure during surgery.
One of the key findings was reduced propofol consumption in the music group. Since anaesthetic dosage often increases in response to stress-related physiological changes, the stabilising effect of music allowed anaesthetists to maintain appropriate sedation with fewer adjustments. The need for additional pain relief, including fentanyl, was also lower.
Patients exposed to calming music showed particularly stable blood pressure readings during the most stimulating phases of surgery, indicating reduced internal stress responses.
Cortisol levels, a marker of surgical stress, rose in all patients but increased significantly less among those who listened to music. This reduced hormonal response translated into a smoother early recovery, with patients showing calmer awakening patterns and less post-anaesthetic agitation.
Researchers noted that while patient satisfaction scores were similar across groups, the physiological benefits of music—lower stress hormones, reduced drug use and improved cardiovascular stability—were clear.
The study underscores that music is not a replacement for anaesthesia but a supportive tool that helps the body remain closer to equilibrium. With no added clinical risk, calming music offers a practical way to enhance perioperative care and improve patient outcomes.