Abstract

CARDENAS, Andrea; QUIROGA, Cynthia; RESTREPO, Martha  and  CORTES, Daniel. Hysterectomy and anxiety: comparison between two methods of preoperative psychological preparation. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2005, vol.56, n.3, pp.209-215. ISSN 0034-7434.

Hysterectomy is perceived by patients as a highly stressing situation that generates strong emotions with well-known negative effects on postoperative recovery. In order to avoid those deleterious effects, different methods for preoperative psychological preparation have been developed, aiming for a more predictable and controlled postoperative period and an easier recovery. The present research aimed to compare the effects of two different kinds of psychological preparation programs on women undergoing hysterectomy at the Carlos Lleras Restrepo Clinic. The former group consisting of 30 women received a preparation program based upon their coping strategies. The second group, also consisting of 30 women, was provided with written information as the only method for preoperative psychological preparation. Preoperative anxiety levels, postoperative perceived pain and immediate postoperative complications were measured in both groups as endpoints. The results showed that patients in the first group had lower levels of anxiety (p < 0,01), less postoperative pain (p < 0,05) and a lower incidence of complications compared to those who were prepared just by providing written information.

Keywords : hysterectomy; psychology; anxiety; postoperative pain; complications.

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