SELF-HYPNOTIC RELAXATION DURING INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES - EFFECTS ON PAIN PERCEPTION AND INTRAVENOUS DRUG-USE

The authors evaluated whether self-hypnotic relaxation can reduce the need for intravenous conscious sedation during interventional radiolog ical procedures. Sixteen patients were randomized to a test group, and 14 patients were randomized to a control group. All had patient-contr olled analgesia. Test patients additionally had self-hypnotic relaxati on and underwent a Hypnotic Induction Profile test. Compared to contro ls, test patients used less drugs (0.28 vs. 2.01 drug units; p < .01) and reported less pain (median pain rating 2 vs. 5 on a 0-10 scale; p < .01). Significantly more control patients exhibited oxygen desaturat ion and/or needed interruptions of their procedures for hemodynamic in stability. Benefit did not correlate with hypnotizability. Self-hypnot ic relaxation can reduce drug use and improve procedural safety.