Preoperative state of mind among patients undergoing CABG: effect on length of stay and postoperative complications

This study was undertaken to determine if a pessimistic self-assessment prior to an elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) was predictive of postoperative complications and increased length of stay (LOS). Subjects (n = 565), aged 65 and older and undergoing elective CABG, were stratified into 2 groups (optimistic, pessimistic) based on their mental health subscale scores prior to surgery. After adjusting for age, gender, and severity of disease, the average LOS for pessimistic patients was 1.3 days longer than for optimistic patients. Despite adjustment for previous CABG, renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, and gender, pessimism was associated with an increased risk of prolonged ventilation time and permanent stroke. Negative state of mind prior to a major cardiovascular intervention may be predictive of increased LOS, permanent stroke, and prolonged ventilation time.