Unusual applications of hypnosis in anesthesiology

While dramatic achievements with the use of hypnosis are well documented in medical literature, the less spectacular applications of hypnosis in the daily practice of anesthesiology are too often overlooked. They are nevertheless of utmost importance, as they contribute to the care, comfort, well-being, and, in many instances, the recovery of the patient. 6 cases are described which illustrate the successful application and use of hypnosis in treating malignant anxiety, preparing "patient substitution" for surgery, maintaining a nasogastric tube, treating narcotic addiction and adding in surgical diagnosis, caring for a patient with intense claustrophobia, and anesthetizing a former narcotic addict for surgery.