Effect of Perioperative Music Therapy with Intraoperative Playback and Postoperative Guided Listening on Procedural Comfort in Patients Undergoing Cerebral Digital Subtraction Angiography.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the impact of perioperative music therapy (including intraoperative playback and postoperative guided listening) on procedural comfort in patients undergoing cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 145 patients who underwent DSA at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University between January 2024 and October 2025 were reviewed and categorized based on the administration of perioperative music therapy. Seventy-three patients receiving standard DSA were assigned to the conventional group, while 72 patients receiving DSA plus immediate music therapy were assigned to the music group. The primary outcome measure was comfort level assessed by the Kolcaba General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). Secondary outcomes included procedure-related metrics, hemodynamic parameters, anxiety and depression status [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)], as well as complication rates.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of either procedure duration or hospital stay ( P > 0.05). A significant group × time interaction was observed for postoperative Visual Analogue Scale scores ( P < 0.05), with the music group reporting lower pain at all time points ( P < 0.05). Post-procedure GCQ scores increased in both groups, with significantly higher scores observed in the music group ( P < 0.05). Hemodynamic analysis revealed a significant group × time interaction ( P < 0.05); at 30 min, the music group exhibited smaller increases (Δ 1 ) in heart rate, respiratory rate, and mean arterial pressure ( P < 0.05), and at the end of the procedure, all parameters were closer to baseline (smaller absolute Δ 2 , P < 0.05). At discharge, STAI and BDI-II scores were significantly lower in the music group ( P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in complication rates (6.85% versus 2.78%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative music therapy for patients undergoing DSA is associated with more stable hemodynamics, greater comfort, lower pain levels, and reduced anxiety and depression, without an increased complication risk.