Via our in-house philosophical operative comes this disquieting news:
Many U.S. operating rooms have sound systems, so playing music during surgery has become commonplace. Some doctors say it relieves the tension; studies have shown it can also benefit patients, even reducing the need for anesthesia somewhat during surgery.
Look, when I worked in a music engraving shop in Boston, we were not allowed to listen to tunes while we worked -- it was considered too distracting. And, you know, that was music engraving, not open-heart surgery.
But now I learn that not only are many surgeons rocking out while they nip and tuck, some of them even have playlists synchronized to the various phases of the operation, including one doctor who "always closes to J-Lo."
Apparently, the anesthesiologist usually picks the playlist, although one of the gas passers quoted in the article says that patients' tastes must be considered when surgery involves only a local anesthetic: "We're not going to play rap when there's a 90-year-old lady in there -- it would scare them to death."
That's sweet. How about a patient whose taste runs towards medical professionals devoting their full attention to the actual surgery? For the record, if I go under the knife, I'm claiming this as my favorite song and I want it played on infinite loop until I'm all stitched up, okay?
And if the pilot who landed this plane had "Danger Zone" coming over his headset when he did it, I don't want to know.
I sense a bit of culture creep today, Darcy. Musically speaking, I bet you wouldn't choose that Cage piece if you need a hip replacement under local.
Posted by: suzib | 04 October 2005 at 02:27 PM
Musically speaking, I bet you wouldn't choose that Cage piece if you need a hip replacement under local.
Especially if I needed a hip replacement under local.
Posted by: DJA | 04 October 2005 at 08:33 PM