Perioperative Music Implementation in Bariatric Patient Care: An Interventional Study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Patient Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Perioperative music may reduce postoperative pain, opioid requirements, and anxiety.
• These benefits have been observed even when music is played during general anesthesia.
• This study evaluated implementing perioperative music as standard care in bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of perioperative music on postoperative pain in elective bariatric metabolic surgery.
• To evaluate the effect of music on patient satisfaction, nausea, and medication requirements post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study comparing pre- and post-implementation groups (control vs. intervention) from March to October 2023.
• The intervention group received patient-selected music via headphones during anesthesia.
• Included patients underwent elective bariatric metabolic surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass); primary outcome was postoperative pain (NRS).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in median Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores between the control (n=66) and intervention (n=65) groups (p = 0.325).
• Opioid and antiemetic use were similar between groups.
• Patient satisfaction was high in both groups (p = 0.137), with 86% of intervention patients desiring music in future surgeries.

Conclusions:

• Implementing perioperative music in bariatric surgery did not significantly decrease postoperative pain or medication needs.
• The already positive patient experience in bariatric surgery may mask music's incremental benefits.
• A strong patient preference for music highlights its positive perception in perioperative care.