Using music to manage pain during surgery

The Efficacy of Intraoperative Music Stimulation on Perioperative Pain Management

Not applicable Interventional Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital · NCT06467747

This study is testing if listening to music during surgery can help reduce pain and the need for extra pain relief for patients under general anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorTaichung Tzu Chi Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taichung, Not in USA)
Trial IDNCT06467747 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing perioperative pain for patients undergoing general anesthesia during minimally invasive surgeries. Participants will be randomly assigned to listen to music or ambient sounds while receiving standard anesthesia care. The study aims to determine if music can decrease the need for rescue analgesics and to explore the physiological changes in brain activity and pain perception through EEG and nociception monitoring. By comparing the effects of music to a control group, researchers hope to uncover the potential mechanisms by which music influences pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 80 scheduled for minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hearing impairments, significant pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases, or those undergoing emergency surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method to alleviate pain during and after surgery, reducing reliance on pain medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for music therapy in pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Older than 20 years old and younger than 80 years old
* male or female
* Scheduled for minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy)
* Ambulatory surgery
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I\~III

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe hearing impairment
* Severe pulmonary or cardiovascular disease
* Brain or central nervous system (CNS) disorder
* Long-term systemic steroid or daily morphine treatment
* Pregnant women
* Emergency surgery
* The absence of informed consent

Where this trial is running

Taichung, Not in USA

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Perioperative Pain ManagementMusic therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.