No one welcomes the thought of undergoing surgery. Everyone has an innate instinctive fear of incisions being made on the body and organs being altered, changed or replaced. Even though we know that the surgery that we have been advised to undergo is for our own good and will help to cure us of a medical problem, the apprehension remains. This is natural, and few, if any patients awaiting surgery can avoid these feelings. However, allowing the anxiety to affect your mental state before undergoing the operation can have negative effects in terms of how you deal with the normal post-surgical stress, possible pain and the speed and quality of your recovery.
Pre-surgical anxiety can manifest in several ways, including, but not limited to the following:
- Emotional responses and reactions that are not normal for you.
- Psychological issues that you may not even be aware of that impact your ability to deal with the forthcoming surgery.
- Physical symptoms and metabolic changes that may affect the preparations for the surgery and the later recovery.
Understanding what pre-surgical anxiety is can help manage these feelings and support a better medical outcome.
The Symptoms of Pre-Surgical Anxiety
Pre-surgical anxiety can manifest in many ways, but the most common include:
- Emotional Symptoms: These include a range of negative emotions, including fear, nervousness, insomnia, irritability, lack of interest in things which you were earlier interested in and so on. Mood swings are another aspect of the emotional symptoms.
- Cognitive Symptoms: These include difficulty concentrating or focusing on issues, thoughts that are unfocused or all over the place, thoughts that jump from one subject to another with no apparent connection between them and so on. A pre-occupation with the upcoming surgery is normal, but if it becomes so intense that it prevents or inhibits you from focusing on anything else, it is a sign of severe pre-surgical anxiety.
- Physical Symptoms: Impatience with others, increased heart rate and high blood pressure, excessive sweating, trembling of the hands, nausea and shortness of breath are among the most often seen physical signs of pre-surgical anxiety.
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The Causes of Pre-Surgical Anxiety
Several factors contribute to pre-surgical anxiety and once you understand what they are, it becomes easier to deal with and manage the fear. These factors include:
- Fear of the unknown caused by a lack of understanding of the surgical procedure
- Fear of pain and discomfort
- Worry about potential complications and risks, both during and after the surgery
- Fear of the anesthesia process and of being unconscious
- Uncertainty over the impact of the surgery on work, relationships and everyday life
- Prior unpleasant medical experiences
Ways of Reducing Pre-Surgical Anxiety
The best way to relieve the anxiety is by being aware of what exactly the surgery will entail, the details of the procedure, the recovery process and the possible risks and complications. That means you need to know:
- Exactly what will happen during the procedure?
- How long will it take?
- How long will the recovery take?
- What are the precautions to be taken during the recovery period?
- What are the possible problems and complications during recovery and later on?
Talking about possible risks and complications may appear to be the wrong way to deal with pre-surgical anxiety, but it is not. The idea is that once you know all that you can expect from the surgery, including the positives and possible negatives, there will be less uncertainty about the future. And with less uncertainty comes more peace of mind and less anxiety. The unknown is a major factor in experiencing fear and once that is removed, the fear is mitigated. Talk to your doctors and surgeons about the procedure and ask all the questions you want so that you are sure that you know what to expect. Lesser the uncertainty, lesser the anxiety.
The Benefits of Feeling Positive Before Surgery
Dealing with and controlling pre-surgical anxiety can have a positive impact on the forthcoming procedure. Lowering your stress and anxiety levels before the surgery can result in the following benefits:
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure reduce risk of complications during the surgery.
- Lower stress levels enhance the functioning of the immune system, which plays a crucial role in healing and preventing infections.
- Lower stress levels may also reduce inflammation, resulting in more rapid tissue repair and recovery.
- Low anxiety levels have been linked to reports of patients experiencing less post-operative pain, which can also assist with a speedy recovery.
- Controlling pre-surgical anxiety can help in preventing post-surgical psychological issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Also Read: Sleep Disorders – Causes and Treatment
Pre-Surgical Anxiety Is a Common Problem
Feelings of anxiety and stress before undergoing surgery are very common – in fact, few people can avoid them. It is important to remember that you are not alone in having these feelings and there is nothing abnormal or unnatural in these feelings. Some studies suggest that while every patient experiences some degree of anxiety, up to 48% of those awaiting surgery require counseling to help them overcome their anxiety before entering the operating theater. However, it appears that few of those who need the support receive it, which often retards the speed of the recovery and also, at times, impacts the outcome of the surgical procedure.
If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires surgery or you anticipate that you have an ailment that may need surgical intervention, being treated at and having the surgery done at a world-class hospital with state-of-the-art medical and surgical technology and equipment and the best surgeons is going to be a major factor in reducing the anxiety. Knowing that you are receiving the best possible surgical treatment and care from the best surgeons means that you are in the best possible hands and that translates into a faith that there will be a favorable outcome to your surgery. That in turn will enable you to focus on your recovery instead of fearing the procedure that awaits you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pre-Surgical Anxiety
1. What is pre-surgical anxiety?
Pre-surgical anxiety is the stress, fear, or uneasiness people feel before undergoing surgery. It can present as emotional distress, racing thoughts, or even physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, and increased heart rate. It is a natural response but can affect recovery if left unmanaged.
2. What causes pre-surgical anxiety?
Common causes include fear of the unknown, worry about pain, anesthesia, and complications, prior unpleasant medical experiences, and concerns about how surgery may affect daily life, work, and relationships.
3. How can I reduce anxiety before surgery?
Anxiety can be reduced by:
- Learning the details of the procedure and recovery process.
- Asking your doctor questions to remove uncertainty.
- Talking about possible risks openly with your surgeon.
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise.
- Seeking counseling or support groups if needed.
4. Does pre-surgical anxiety affect recovery?
Yes. High anxiety can increase blood pressure, weaken immunity, and heighten pain perception. Lowering anxiety before surgery helps reduce complications, speeds healing, lowers inflammation, and improves overall recovery.
5. Is it normal to feel anxious before surgery?
Absolutely. Almost everyone experiences some level of pre-surgical anxiety. Studies suggest up to 48% of patients may need counseling to manage it effectively. Feeling anxious is natural and not a sign of weakness.