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Many patients recovering from surgery in wards are disturbed by environmental noise. However, the effects of environmental noise on postoperative pain are unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between postoperative noise and pain. This prospective study included 182 women who underwent cesarean sections. Postoperative noise was continuously recorded, and pain intensity at rest was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) for 0–6, 6–12, 12–18, and 18–24 h after the patients were returned to the ward. Cumulative pain scores were calculated by summing the NRS scores at each time point and comprised the primary outcome. The maximum pain NRS score and analgesic consumption during the 24 h after surgery were also recorded. Mean environmental noise intensity during the daytime was an independent factor for cumulative pain scores, maximum pain scores, and analgesic use during the first postoperative 24 h (β, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.21–0.53 and β, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.07–0.17; P < 0.001 for both; β, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.25–1.46; P = 0.006). Cumulative and maximum NRS pain scores as well as the incidence of NRS ≥ 4 were significantly higher in patients under mean daytime environmental noise of ≥58, than <58 decibels (dB) (8.0 [6.0–11.3] vs. 6.0 (5.0–7.0); 3.0 [2.0–4.0] vs. 2.0 [2.0–2.0, and 25.6% vs. 11.0%; RR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.19–4.54, respectively; P < 0.001 for all). Higher-level postoperative noise exposure was associated with more severe postoperative pain and increased analgesic needs, as well as a higher incidence of moderate-to-severe pain in patients recovering from cesarean delivery. Our findings indicate that reducing environmental ward noise might benefit for postoperative pain management. CD, cesarean delivery; PCIA, patient-controlled intravenous analgesia; BMI, body mass index; dB, decibel; NRS, number rating scale. [Display omitted] • We explored whether noise affects pain induced by surgery in patients receiving from cesarean delivery. • We found that higher-level postoperative noise correlated with more severe postoperative pain in patients undergoing cesarean delivery. • Given the affordability and safety of noise reduction measures, proactive steps to reduce noise pollution within patient wards is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia are performed in noisy environments, although the effect of intraoperative noise reduction on postoperative pain remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore whether postoperative pain could be reduced through the intraoperative use of noise-cancelling headphones. This study was conducted as a prospective parallel-group randomized clinical trial. Operating room and surgery room. Ninety patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. In the intervention group, noise-cancelling headphones were used to reduce noise intensity during laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the maximum movement-evoked pain intensity within 24 h post-surgery, measured using a 10-point numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes included the maximum resting pain score and total opioid consumption during the 24-h period post-surgery. Mean intraoperative noise and the proportion of intraoperative time with noise intensity ≥70 dB were recorded. The maximum movement-evoked pain score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean score [SD], 2.7 [1.0] and 4.0 [1.0], respectively; P < 0.001). The intervention group required significantly fewer opioids than the control group (mean [SD], 44.2 [12.8] and 51.3 [17.5] mg, respectively; P = 0.032). In the control group, but not the intervention group, all postoperative pain scores were significantly associated with the proportion of intraoperative time with noise intensity ≥70 dB, which was an independent risk factor for postoperative pain. During laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, intraoperative noise isolation using noise-cancelling headphones is a safe and effective strategy for relieving postoperative pain and decreasing total opioid analgesic consumption. [Display omitted] • Noise-cancelling headphones during surgery reduced postoperative pain scores. • Noise-cancelling headphones during surgery reduced postoperative opioid consumption. • Reduction of hyperpathia contributes to the beneficial effect of noise-cancelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]