Study Exploring the Effect of Music on Pain After Ventral Hernia Surgery

The Effect of Music on Pain in Patients Undergoing Ventral Hernia Repair With Mesh: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to assess whether listening to music during surgery has an effect on pain or anxiety after surgery.

After being informed about the study and potential risks and meeting eligibility criteria, all patients giving written informed consent will be scheduled for their hernia repair surgery. On the day of surgery, patients will be randomized in a double-blind manner (participant and investigator) in a 1:1 ratio to listen to patient-chosen music during their surgery via headphones or just listen to silence via headphones. Pain and anxiety will then be assessed after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults having open retromuscular ventral hernia repair with mesh, with or without myofascial release for a hernia width ≤ 20 cm
2. Adults having open flank hernia repair that requires a myofascial release with mesh
3. Adults having parastomal hernia repair with mesh

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Primary language other than English, or lack of English language fluency
2. Hearing impairment, with or without use of hearing aids
3. Neurologic condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, may preclude accurate assessment of postoperative pain and anxiety
4. Patients who will remain intubated after surgery