Hypnosurgery

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Hypnosurgery is the term given to an operation where the patient is sedated using hypnotherapy rather than traditional anaesthetics. In April 2006, the British television channel More4 broadcast a live hernia hypnosurgery operation.

During hypnosurgery, a hypnotist helps the patient control their subconcious reflexes so that they do not feel pain in the traditional sense.^{[citation needed]} Patients are aware of sensation as the operation progresses and often describe a tingling or tickling sensation when pain would normally be expected.^{[citation needed]}

The main benefit of hypnosurgery is that there are fewer side effects, and generally a patient can leave hospital sooner than if normal anaesthetics are used.^{[citation needed]} A reduction in blood loss and post-operative nausea have also been recorded.^{[citation needed]} It should be noted, however, that further studies are being performed and that hypnosurgery is not suitable for all patients.^{[citation needed]}