The effect of preferred music on mental workload and laparoscopic surgical performance in a simulated setting (OPTIMISE): a randomized controlled crossover study.

Music significantly reduced mental workload overall and of several previously identified key surgical stressor domains, and its use in the operating room is reportedly viewed favorably. Music did not significantly improve laparoscopic task performance of novice laparoscopists in a simulated setting. Although varying results have been reported previously, it seems that surgical experience and task demand are more determinative.