THERAPEUTIC SUGGESTIONS GIVEN DURING NEUROLEPT-ANESTHESIA DECREASE POSTOPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING

A double-blind randomized study was performed in 100 patients undergoi ng thyroidectomy to evaluate the effect of positive therapeutic sugges tions made during neurolept-anaesthesia. The classic droperidol-fentan yl-N2O technique was used as these drugs preserve the neurophysiologic al functions required to process the information in the therapeutic su ggestions given during general anaesthesia. Patients in the suggestion group heard positive non-affirmative suggestions during the whole ope ration. An autoreverse tape player was used. The control group listene d to an empty tape. Both groups were comparable with respect to demogr aphic variables, anaesthetic technique, drug dosage, duration of anaes thesia and surgery. Patients in the suggestion group suffered signific antly less from post-operative nausea or vomiting (suggestion: 47.2% v s, control: 85.7%) and required less anti-emetic treatment (suggestion : 30.6% vs, control: 68.6%). We conclude that therapeutic suggestions heard during neurolept-anaesthesia are processed and decrease post-ope rative nausea and vomiting in patients after thyroidectomy.