Surgical Anxiety

Anxiety and fears about hospital stays and surgery are common. Everyone worries about the risks associated with surgical procedures. For some, this fear may be a minor annoyance, while others may be overcome by anxiety. Always inform medical professionals about how you are feeling so they can help you feel less anxious.

Causes

• Surgical anxiety may stem from fears about anesthesia, pain and worry about not having control over what happens during the operation.

Symptoms

• Surgical anxiety may cause common anxiety symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, tremors, insomnia, sweating and stomach distress.

Considerations for Children

• Parents may help reduce anxiety in their children by talking to the child about the hospital environment and letting the child draw pictures about the hospital. Also, using puppets to act out hospital scenarios, such as having vitals monitored by a nurse, may be helpful.

Prevention/Solution

• Surgical anxiety may be lessened by asking questions and becoming fully aware and knowledgeable about what procedures will be done during the surgery. Physicians may administer anti-anxiety medication to help calm patients. Music and massage can help as well.

Anesthesia

• According to the Swedish Covenant Hospital, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a negative reaction to anesthesia.