Hypnosis for monitoring intraoperative spinal cord function.

In such procedures as the Harrington operation for idiopathic scoliosis, evaluation of spinal cord function is advisable immediately after the back is straightened. The authors have used hypnosis for this procedure, as an adjunct to anesthetic management. Patients are awakened on the table, given lower extremity tests, and are then reanesthetized. The incidence of postoperative pain and other discomfort is also reduced by hypnosis.