Groundbreaking Pilot Study Highlights Role of Music Therapy in Managing Postoperative Pain After Pancreatic Surgery

A pioneering pilot study conducted by University Hospitals Connor Whole Health has demonstrated the feasibility and potential benefits of using music therapy to ease pain and facilitate recovery in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. The research involved live music-assisted relaxation and imagery sessions, which patients found beneficial and engaging throughout their postoperative recovery process. Participants listened to recordings of the therapy afterward, supporting continuous symptom management.

The study also explored blood sampling techniques to understand the underlying biological mechanisms, specifically blood gene expression changes, involved in the analgesic effects of music therapy. Although collecting blood samples posed some challenges, the successful completion of the intervention and positive patient feedback affirm the promise of this approach.

The findings, published in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, indicate that music therapy is a promising complementary treatment for managing post-surgical pain, which is often challenging despite pharmacological care. This research supports the integration of music-based interventions into holistic postoperative care, emphasizing the importance of understanding how such therapies modulate biological pathways.

Experts like Dr. Richard S. Hoehn and Mr. Samuel Rodgers-Melnick highlight that this study is a vital step towards elucidating the gene expression mechanisms related to pain relief through music. Future studies will focus on refining blood collection methods, expanding participant eligibility, and extending intervention duration to deepen understanding and enhance implementation.

Overall, this study underscores the role of nonpharmacologic options like music therapy in comprehensive pain management strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes and recovery experiences after complex surgeries. The research is part of ongoing efforts to incorporate evidence-based integrative medicine approaches in surgical oncology care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-foundation-music-therapy-pain-pancreatic.html