BACKGROUND

Pain and discomfort are common during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation.

AIMS

To compare and evaluate the effect of premedication, standardised preoperative information and preoperative anxiety on pain intensity, drug consumption and patients' satisfaction.

METHODS

Preoperative anxiety at baseline, pain intensity during RFA, and patient satisfaction after the procedure were measured in 3 random groups. Group A (n=20) received standard pain management, group B (n=20) received premedication and group C (n=20) received premedication and standardised preoperative information.

RESULTS

Patients in groups B and C experienced less pain intensity (p<0.001) and needed fewer anxiolytics (p=0.023) and analgesics (p=0.031) compared to group A. Patient satisfaction was higher in group C (p=0.005) compared to group A. Increased preoperative anxiety is related to elevated drug demand (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Premedication alone or combined with preoperative information reduces and higher preoperative anxiety increases pain intensity and drug consumption during RFA. Preoperative information improves patient satisfaction.