Study of Cardiac Coherence Breathing and Medical Hypnosis to Reduce Anxiety Before Cancer Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how combining cardiac coherence, a guided breathing technique, with medical hypnosis may help reduce anxiety before surgery in cancer patients. This approach aims to offer a non-drug alternative to usual medications like benzodiazepines, which can have side effects, especially in older adults or those with heart or lung problems. The study focuses on patients undergoing oncological surgery who often experience significant stress during their treatment. Participants in the experimental group will be taught to perform cardiac coherence sessions at home using the Respirelax app, practicing three 5-minute sessions daily for 7 to 15 days before surgery. They may also listen to a hypnotic audio tape during or separate from these sessions. The control group will receive the standard preoperative care without these techniques. Throughout the study, patients will be assessed for anxiety levels using scales like the Visual Analogue Scale VAS and Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale APAIS starting up to 15 days before surgery and on the day of surgery. Researchers will monitor recovery quality, pain levels, medication use, and hospitalization length. Patients will complete questionnaires and diaries to track their experience and adherence, with safety and postoperative outcomes also evaluated up to three months after surgery.

Assessment of Cardiac Coherence Associated With Medical Hypnosis on Preoperative Anxiety in Oncological Surgery