Letter: Operatic options in the operating theatre

Sir: I was interested to read of research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association which suggests that a surgeon's operating performance might be improved by listening to a favourite piece of music ('Music for smooth operators', 4 October). However, I would suggest that some care should be taken with the choice of music. I was recently wheeled into theatre for a Caesarean section as the anaesthetist switched on his favourite piece - 'Nessun Dorma' ('None Shall Sleep'). I stayed awake, had an epidural and a baby girl, and enjoyed the opera during the operation.

Yours faithfully,

L. M. CLARKE

Telford,

Shropshire

5 October