BACKGROUND: Music influences the body and mental well-being of humans. Almost all patients undergoing surgery experience perioperative anxiety. This study was designed to determine the effect of music during surgery and the post-operation period under regional anesthesia on the level of anxiety, relaxation and fatigue.

METHODS: Sixty-four patients who underwent orthopedic surgery under regional anesthesia were randomly assigned to Group 1 (listening to music) and Group 2 (no music). The premedication and anesthesia were standardized for both groups. The level of anxiety, fatigue and psychological well-being were examined as outcome variables.

RESULTS: The level of anxiety and psychological well-being was significantly lower (anxiety: P = 0.012, psychological well-being: P = 0.006) in Group 1 than in Group 2. The level of fatigue was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that music might be effective in reducing the level of intra and post-operative anxiety and improving the psychological well-being of patients undergoing surgery under regional anesthesia.