Self-Hypnosis for the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Patients With Gynecologic Cancer

This trial studies how well self-hypnosis works in enhancing recovery after surgery in patients with gynecologic cancer. A guided relaxation method called self-hypnosis may help affect how patients feel pain and symptoms after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria: * Undergoing an exploratory laparotomy for suspected gynecologic cancer, which includes metastatic disease from neoplasia originating in other organs * Planned participation in the Gynecologic Enhanced Recovery Pathway * Patient must be able to read, understand, and speak English * Consents to being part of a randomized study * Patient has physical and mental capabilities to take part in study Exclusion Criteria: * Sensitivity to amide-type local anesthetics * Patients on long-acting opioid medications, or scheduled (four or more times a day for seven or more days) short-acting opioid medications within the last 30 days * Emergency surgery of any type that does not allow for proper time for protocol review by the patient * Surgery that involves known/anticipated resection of anterior abdominal wall with plastic surgery reconstruction * Patients undergoing known/anticipated anterior abdominal wall hernia repairs * Patients undergoing pelvic exenteration * Patients with known major psychiatric disease * Patients with hearing impairment such that they are unable to hear the intervention