Harmonizing Health: The Role of Music in Surgical Recovery

Sat Dec 06 2025 06:02:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A groundbreaking study from Delhi's Maulana Azad Medical College reveals that playing music during procedures can significantly enhance recovery and reduce the need for anesthesia.

A recent study has uncovered that integrating music into surgical procedures notably aids in faster recovery while reducing the dosage of anesthetics needed. Conducted at Delhi's Maulana Azad Medical College, the study indicates that patients exposed to music during laparoscopic cholecystectomies need lower doses of propofol and fentanyl, leading to smoother recoveries and improved vital sign control. This research highlights the potential of music therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention in surgical settings, suggesting a shift in post-operative care practices.

Under the harsh lights of an operating theatre in Delhi, a woman lies motionless as surgeons prepare to remove her gallbladder. She is under general anaesthesia; yet, amid the hum of monitors, a gentle stream of flute music plays through her headphones. A new study from Delhi's Maulana Azad Medical College suggests that such soundscapes can help patients regain consciousness faster and require lower doses of anesthesia, improving recovery outcomes.

The research published in the journal Music and Medicine focuses on laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a common keyhole surgery, and highlights the dual aim of reducing drug requirements and enhancing recovery speed. Dr. Farah Husain, the senior specialist in anaesthesia and certified music therapist for the study, emphasizes the importance of patients waking up clear-headed and pain-free for quicker discharge after surgery.

Traditionally, general anaesthesia involves a careful balance of multiple medications to manage consciousness and pain. However, the body often reacts to surgery with increased heart rates and blood pressure, complicating postoperative recovery. By introducing music into the mix, the team sought to understand if this could mitigate bodily stress responses and improve overall surgical wellness.

The researchers conducted a comprehensive trial involving 56 adults who were randomly assigned to receive the same mix of anesthesia. While both groups wore noise-cancelling headphones, only one group listened to soothing instrumental music. Results showed that music significantly lowered the doses of anesthetics needed, leading to reduced stress-hormone levels and better blood pressure control during procedures.

This research opens the door for further exploration into how non-pharmacological interventions like music could abbreviate recovery times and enhance the surgical experience. It suggests a welcoming evolution in hospital protocols that may soon incorporate music therapy as a standard practice, attuning the operating rooms to the needs of patients beyond mere medication.