The magazine of the european research area European Commission Copenhagen, a missed chance?

Laurence Buelens

(1)  Endarterectomy involves removing the atheroma plaque 

associated with excess cholesterol that clogs the internal 

carotid artery, and then suturing and enlarging it in order 

to avoid a stroke. 

(2)  “Hypnoanesthesia for endocrine cervical surgery: 

a statement of practice”, T. Defechereux, M. Meurisse, 

E. Hamoir, L. Gollogly, J. Joris, M.-E. Faymonville, J Altern, 

Complement Med. 1999 Dec, 5(6):509-20. 

(3)  “Adjunctive non pharmacological analgesia for invasive 

medical procedures: A randomised trial”, E. Lang et al., 

Lancet 2000, 355:1486-90. 

now introduce the second, as I explained to 

you. And once this is done, we will get ready 

to start your journey. So off for a little trip to 

Sicily, right? You can change along the way in 

any case. I'll stay here beside you. OK like 

that?” Once Jean has been brought into the 

operating theatre, Christine Watremez takes 

charge of him. She will make sure he is totally 

familiar with the place, so that there is nothing 

to distract him during the hypnosis. This is also 

why the surgeon has explained the different 

movements he will be making. It is important 

that nothing surprise the patient.  

  About five minutes before the rest of the 

team arrives, the anaesthetist positions herself 

on a small stool near her patient’s ear and 

puts his hand in hers. To the rhythm of Jean’s 

breathing, her voice becomes softer, slower, 

more monotonous. “You’re going to fix your 

attention on a point in the ceiling. At the same 

time, you’re going to concentrate on each part 

of your body… And each time you breathe out, 

your body will relax… Allow the pleasant imag-

es of your journey to come up… Take a deep 

breath and let your mind wander off gently 

on this enjoyable and comfortable journey. Very 

good…” A wonderful calm invades the operat-

ing theatre. Surgeon Parla Astarci enters without 

a word, gives everyone a welcoming glance 

and begins to swab the area to be operated on 

with iso-betadine. Jean is already well away.