Overview
This study evaluates whether preoperative hypnosis can reduce postoperative pain, nausea, and opioid use in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. Participants aged 12-18 years will receive hypnosis training before surgery. Outcomes include pain scores, nausea severity, opioid consumption, and length of hospital stay. Results will be compared to a historical control group without hypnosis.
Description
Scoliosis surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain and nausea, often requiring opioid analgesics, which can cause adverse effects. Non-pharmacological interventions such as hypnosis have shown promise in reducing pain and anxiety in surgical patients. This quasi-experimental study with historical controls aims to assess the effect of preoperative hypnosis on postoperative outcomes in adolescents undergoing elective scoliosis surgery at St. Olavs Hospital. The intervention group will receive hypnosis training prior to surgery, while the control group consists of patients operated in 2024 without hypnosis. Data will be collected from the hospital's internal spine surgery registry and include pain scores (numeric rating scale), nausea severity, opioid consumption, mobilization time, and length of stay. Statistical analyses will compare outcomes between groups using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests, with significance set at p\<0.05. The study is approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK Midt).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adolescents aged 12-18 years undergoing elective scoliosis surgery
- Provided informed consent for participation and data registration in the regional spine surgery registry
Exclusion Criteria:
- Severe cognitive impairment
- Language barriers preventing understanding of hypnosis instructions
- Lack of informed consent


