New study says listening to music before, during and after an operation can help reduce pain. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London said the patients who had listened to music had been less anxious after their surgery and had needed less pain relief. They said music had been effective even while patients had been under general anaesthetic. The Department of Health said doctors should consider the findings. The scientists want hospitals to suggest in NHS information leaflets that patients bring music devices and playlists into hospital with them.