Hypnosis as Sole Anesthesia for Major Surgeries: Historical & Contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

Hypnosis is a well validated treatment for acute and chronic pain (Montgomery, DuHamel, & Redd, 2000). It has been found capable of reducing inflammation, altering blood flow, and producing beneficial effects when hypnotic suggestions are provided during and prior to surgery (Frederick, 2001) and other painful medical procedures. This paper quotes extensively from historical examples of the use of hypnosis (mesmerism) as the sole anesthesia for major surgeries in the 1800's. These historic examples by themselves provide powerful documentation of the ability of the mind to influence the body, but they are then followed by a review of contemporary literature and controlled research on the use in hypnosis in relation to surgery and prior to medical procedures.

Hypnosis as sole anaesthesia for skin tumour removal in a patient with multiple chemical sensitivity

“…In his book Mesmerism in India, and its Practical Applications in Surgery and Medicine , published in 1846 (and quoted by Hammond ), Esdale reported a detailed description of over 300 major surgical operations performed under hypnosis as the only form of anaesthesia. Hypnosis was later abandoned, following the introduction of general anaesthetics (chloroform, ether and nitrous oxide), and only a handful of operations performed under hypnosis or self‐hypnosis have been reported since the 1950s .…”

Simple Mastectomy under Hypnosis: A Case Study Approach

“…Nevertheless, the decision to continue was made with the help from the hypnotherapist who continued the maintenance of hypnosis after indications that positive suggestions were still impacting Mrs A's trance, helping to mitigate the pain. Hammond (2008) reviewed multiple studies that indicate that intraoperative suggestions are registered by the patient and have positive effects on pain relief. One such study by Caseley-Rondi et al (1994) utilised a double blind experiment where tapes were played to 96 anaesthetised patients to measure the capacity for patients to hear whilst anaesthetised.…”

Salutogenesis: The Defining Concept for a New Healthcare System

“…Examples that have been employed include workshops on yoga practices for both cancer patients and oncology staff, [24][25][26] imagery tapes for pre and post-operative recovery, 27 and hypnosis. 28 The addition of cultural, ritual, spiritual, and/or traditional religious practices and programs also have been successful in fostering this sense of expanded awareness and connectivity to the world 29 and in accelerating recovery. 28,30…”

“…28 The addition of cultural, ritual, spiritual, and/or traditional religious practices and programs also have been successful in fostering this sense of expanded awareness and connectivity to the world 29 and in accelerating recovery. 28,30…”