Stress reduction, preoperative hypnosis and perioperative suggestion in maxillofacial surgery: Somatic responses and recovery

Preoperative hypnosis and stress reduction in combination with suggestions in general anaesthesia were investigated in maxillofacial surgery. Nineteen patients were prospectively matched to control patients and received a ‘hypnosis tape’ with suggestions directed at reduced bleeding, less postoperative swelling and improved recovery. Postsurgical oedema, pyrexia and the consumption of anxiolytics postoperatively were significantly reduced in the hypnosis group.