Music Can Ease Surgery and Aid Faster Recovery, Finds Indian Study

Playing instrumental music during surgery significantly improves a patient’s recovery, a new study has revealed. The peer-reviewed research by the Lok Nayak Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College from

New Delhi was conducted on patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery to remove the gallbladder. Published in the journal Music and Medicine, the study was conducted between March 2023 and January 2024, studying more than 50 patients, all aged between 18 and 65 years. The research aims to lower anesthetic requirements and aid in decreasing perioperative stress.

How was the study conducted?

According to the scientists, who were a part of the study, their primary aim was to compare the usage of medication like propofol, given to induce loss of consciousness within seconds before a surgery, between those who received the music therapy and those who did not. All the patients as part of the study were given the same anaesthetic drug along with an anti-nausea medicine, fentanyl, propofol, and a muscle relaxant, and were made to wear noise-cancelling headphones. However, only one group was made to listen to music. The patients were then asked to choose between two Indian instrumental songs - soft flute and piano. While most of the patients wanted to listen to a flute composition, which was blended with Hindustani ragas Yaman and Kirwani, researchers said it was good since it had calming and uplifting tones.

What did the study find?

Scientists found that the patients who listened to music needed less amount of propofol - the primary intravenous anaesthetic for maintaining unconsciousness. On average, they needed 6.7mg per kilogram per hour compared with 7.86 for the control group, a statistically significant difference. The group also needed fewer additional doses of fentanyl - the opioid painkiller that helps control spikes in blood pressure or heart rate during surgery.

Lower stress levels

According to scientists, the music-listening group also revealed a lower physiological stress response to surgery, which was measured through serum cortisol. Postoperative cortisol levels in the control group rose to an average of 536 IU per ml, while those in the music group averaged 417 IU per ml. After the surgery was over, patients who listened to music woke up more smoothly from anesthesia and reported higher satisfaction 24 hours after surgery. According to scientists, it has been concluded that receptive music therapy is safe for use as a non-pharmacological aid, as it helps reduce intraoperative anaesthetic requirements and improves overall patient outcomes with no adverse effects.

What is music therapy?

While it is not new, music therapy has always been used as a clinical and evidence-based way to use music interventions that help address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals within a therapeutic relationship. It has been used to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain before and after medical procedures. Nowadays, it is widely used in cancer care, mental health, palliative care, physiotherapy, and postoperative recovery as well. A qualified music therapist uses music activities like singing, playing instruments, improvising, and listening to achieve specific goals, such as reducing stress or improving communication skills. It's important to note that this is a formal, goal-oriented process led by a credentialed professional and is different from simply listening to music for relaxation.