Is it possible to use guided imagery for an improved surgical outcome? Measurably, says Neil F. Neimark, M.D., the author of the audiotape for patients designed with this specific goal in mind. In the information accompanying the audiotape Dr. Neimark cites several studies over a 15-year period supporting this thesis, including one from Anesthesiology which examined the effect of preoperative instructions on blood loss, and gave a 30% variance when patients received specific instructions regarding the management of blood to their surgical site¹.

Dr. Neimark's goal with his guided imagery is to effect a positive impact on preoperative and postoperative anxiety, pain, and overall satisfaction levels after surgery. Because other studies he cites make clear that specific instructions, not general guided relaxation tapes are critical to the outcome, Dr. Neimark takes the listener through a linear process that includes establishing a sense of trust in the surgical process and the surgeon, timely movement of blood away from the visualized surgical site during surgery, re-establishing a healthy blood flow postoperatively to speed healing, and maximizing use of the body's natural pain blockers to assist the effectiveness of pain control medications. Also included are guided images to boost white cell count and improve immune function, and triggers to stimulate appetite during the healing phase. Overall, preoperative technique is referred to as “prepping” rather than “relaxing” a patient before a procedure, an important distinction in understanding why it differs from general relaxation or meditation tapes.

While Dr. Neimark's tape has not specifically been studied, he follows basic principals laid out in previous studies, and these studies are cited in the accompanying insert for individuals who wish to locate and read them in their entirety.

For those patients who are interested in utilizing guided imagery to supplement surgical treatment, they should discuss the use of this tape with their surgeon and also may request the use of it during surgery as well.

This tape is available through out bookstore (here)

¹Bennet, HL Ph.D., Benson, DR M.D., Kuiken, DA M.D. Peroperative Instructions for Decreased Bleeding During Spine Surgery. Anesthesiology v.65, No. 3A, Sept 1986