Conclusion

Abstract

The difficulties and dangers of hypnosis which have been mentioned can be avoided or overcome. In order to avoid them the user must have learned to master his relationship with the patient. He also has to understand his own tendency to use hypnosis or refuse it, and at the same time be able to distinguish whether its use is necessary or not. To do so, he will have to conduct a preliminary interview with the patient. It is an open question whether or not he should mention hypnosis by name during this interview. Should the interview lead him to fear inducing hypnosis, he should abstain. Should he nevertheless consider hypnosis appropriate, he should proceed with great caution. For the practice of anesthesiology, the change of orientation given to the pre-operative visit is of prime importance. The anesthetist has to become cognizant of the psychological implications of this visit and learn to use it accordingly.