Hypnosis has been used in lieu of anesthesia for over 170 years, beginning with the exploits of Dr. James Esdaile, a British surgeon working in India. Reuben Pecarve, a hypno-anesthetist still active in Montreal, has "talked" a large number of clients through such procedures as intestinal surgery and tooth extraction. I have also seen videos of C-section childbirths performed under hypnosis.
My own experience is far more limited. However, I can report that I went through my last colonoscopy without any sedation, drank down the glass of orange juice I was offered afterward, got in my car, and drove home.
The important point here should be the obvious. Hypnosis can help people feel more relaxed and less anxious about a forthcoming event or procedure. I would therefore suggest that anyone planning to "stay awake" during surgery -- even with local anesthesia -- will probably benefit from a session with a hypnotist!
The complete article can be accessed here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/25/health/surgery-awake-anesthesia.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
