Effects of noise isolation using noise-canceling headphones during lymphedema liposuction on postoperative pain in patients undergoing general anesthesia: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background: Operating room noise, generated by medical equipment, poses significant health risks and can lead to hearing impairment, cardiovascular disorders, and anxiety in both patients and staff. Accumulating evidence suggests that auditory processing persists under general anesthesia, with intraoperative noise exposure potentially affecting postoperative outcomes. Recent studies have reported a positive correlation between intraoperative noise levels (≥ 70 dB) and postoperative pain intensity, particularly when using high-noise liposuction devices for lymph liposuction procedures. Non-pharmacological pain management strategies are prioritized to not mask ischemic symptoms in extremities. This study aimed to investigate whether noise-canceling headphones can mitigate postoperative pain by limiting intraoperative noise exposure during lymph liposuction.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial will include 90 patients undergoing elective lymph liposuction under general anesthesia. The intervention group will wear noise-canceling headphones throughout surgery, while the control subjects will receive standard care. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores (NRS) at 6, 12, and 24 h. Secondary outcomes comprise intraoperative nociceptive threshold index (PTI) monitored via multifunctional electroencephalography (EEG), preoperative/postoperative sleep quality (PSQI), and anxiety levels (HADS). In addition, mediation analysis will be conducted to examine noise exposure…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 90 participants or records.
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