Pediatric hypnosis: pre-, peri-, and post-anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Psychology

Background:

• Pediatric hypnosis is a child-centered intervention with immediate and long-term benefits.
• It can be integrated into presurgical consultations to manage fears and improve recovery.
• Hypnosis prepares children for anesthesia, enhancing receptivity to beneficial suggestions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on hypnosis in pediatric anesthesia.
• To highlight the role and relevancy of hypnosis in managing pre-, peri-, and post-anesthesia.
• To emphasize hypnosis as an adjunctive treatment for pain and anxiety control.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pediatric hypnosis in anesthesia.
• Discussion of hypno-anesthesia techniques, such as The Magic Glove.
• Emphasis on the need for training and supervised practice in hypnosis.

Main Results:

• Hypnosis minimizes anticipatory anxiety before anesthesia.
• It serves as an adjunctive treatment to reduce and control pain.
• Hypnosis aids in extubation, reduces nausea, and eases recovery post-anesthesia.

Conclusions:

• Hypnosis significantly reduces anxiety and pain in pediatric patients.
• Patients receiving hypnosis experience shorter hospital stays and less long-term discomfort.
• There is a strong rationale for incorporating hypnosis as an adjunctive treatment for pediatric anesthesia.