Hypnosis with conscious sedation instead of general anaesthesia? Applications in cervical endocrine surgery

Between April 1994 and June 1997, 197 thyroidectomies and 21 cervical explo rations for hyperparathyroidism were performed under hypnosedation (HYP) an d compared to the operative data and postoperative courses of a closely-mat ched population (n = 121) of patients operated on under general anaesthesia (GA). Conversion from hypnosis to GA was needed in two cases (1%). All sur geons reported better operating conditions for cervicotomy using HYP All pa tients having HYP reported a very pleasant experience and had significantly less postoperative pain while analgesic use was significantly reduced in t his group. Hospital stay was also significantly shorter, providing a substa ntial reduction of the medical care costs: The postoperative convalescence was significantly improved after HYP and full return to social or professio nal activity was significantly shortened. We conclude that HYP is a very ef ficient technique providing physiological, psychological and economic benef its to the patient.