The Effects of Preoperative and Postoperative Anxiety on the Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative and postoperative anxiety on the state of recovery in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

DESIGN

This research is a descriptive and cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The study included a total of 82 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Demographic data were collected. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was the measure for anxiety. The quality of recovery (QoR) was assessed using Quality of Recovery Scale (QoR-40). Both have known validity and reliability and valid translations into Turkish. After obtaining consent from patients, 82 patients completed their demographic profile and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before surgery, and after 24 hours of surgery completed the state anxiety and QoR.

FINDINGS

Patients who received general anesthesia had higher anxiety before and after surgery (P = .004 and P = .022). Patients who were not informed about the surgery had higher preoperative trait anxiety (P = .01). The QoR scores of the patients were negatively related to preoperative and postoperative state anxiety (P = .01 and P = .000). Preoperative state anxiety was positively related to preoperative trait and postoperative state anxiety (P = .000 and P = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

The results provided more evidence that patients need education before surgery as to what to expect both in the surgical suite and immediately after surgery to alleviate anxiety. This should also improve QoR.