Exploring the Relationship between the Impact of Preoperative Anxiety on Post Operative Recovery of Patients Undergoing Anesthesia - An Observational Study

Background

Preoperative anxiety is common and may impede surgical recovery, yet it is seldom addressed in routine peri-operative care.

Materials and Methods

The sample consisted of 100 adult patients (mean age 39.1±12.5 years, 56% females) undergoing surgical procedures at VIMS Hospital, Salem. The type of anaesthesia used comprised general (28%), regional (20%) and local (52%) anaesthesia. Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) scores were determined.

Results

The cohort was characterized by moderate anxiety (APAIS 18.0±4.1). Patients with higher anxiety had worse perceived support (ρ=-0.26; p<0.01) and postoperative emotional state (ρ=-0.44). For each point of APAIS, emotional recovery decreased by 0.18 units (p=0.005). Baseline positive affect facilitated recovery (B=0.46, p=0.001). Men scored better on emotional (B=2.10) and comfort (B=2.50). Age, previous exposure to anaesthetics and anaesthetic technique were insignificant predictors.

Conclusion

Preoperative anxiety has a negative impact on early recovery, but a positive effect and male gender contribute to resilience. Anxiety screening and subsequent interventions may lead to better recovery.