The Guardian
19-10-2004
Source hyperlink

Hypnosis to be used as anaesthetic

Hypnosis is to be used as an alternative to general anaesthetic for some NHS patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Doctors hope the technique will speed recovery times, reduce the need for painkillers and cut costs.

Women who agree to be hypnotised would remain conscious during their operation, although they would be sedated.

The procedure is to be trialled by the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre at Westmead hospital in Sydney, Australia, where it has been used successfully on two patients.

In Britain, researchers at two NHS trusts are investigating whether the technique could be used more widely.

Christina Burch, a consultant anaesthetist at the Prospect Park hospital, Reading, who uses hypnosis to treat patients with chronic pain, said: “This is potentially a very useful technique. The big advantage to the patient is that hypnosis doesn’t have any side effects. It doesn’t interact with other medication they may be on.”

Dr Burch, who is seeking funding for a pilot study, added: “It’s very safe. There’s no hangover effect and patients can go home much more quickly after surgery.”

The technique involves relaxing the patient and helping them to dissociate their mind from their body.