Hypnosis with the surgical patient

Since World War I, hypnosis has been used by U.S. military medical personnel to treat shell shock, battle fatigue, and traumatic neurosis. Most recently, hypnosis has also been effective in the treatment of Vietnam combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, over 30 years ago, the American Medical Association endorsed the use of hypnosis by physicians and the teaching of hypnosis in medical schools. However, even with this rich tradition, there remains an underutilization of hypnosis within medical and surgical settings. To encourage the use of hypnosis, this paper reviews current literature concerning the benefits of employing hypnosis and positive outcome suggestions with surgery patients in a military hospital. Case studies are also included that describe the applications of hypnosis as an adjunct to successful surgical procedures. Practitioners are encouraged to learn more about hypnosis so as to determine the efficacy of this therapeutic modality as an appropriate addition to their treatment armamentarium. A protocol for hypnotic induction and positive suggestions with surgery patients is also included.