Psychological complications: national plastic surgical nursing survey

An understanding of the scope and nature of negative psychological complications resulting from plastic surgery is vital. This knowledge is essential to improve the complex interactions that patients experience as part of their surgical intervention. This is a national survey of patients' psychological complications reported by 312 board certified plastic surgical nurses. Perceived patient psychological complications were reported at a higher rate than perceived physical complications (p> .001), with peri-operative complications of anxiety and mild depression being most prevalent. Less frequent psychological complications included patient disappointment and severe depression. Not surprisingly, surgical site pain and nonspecific physical distress were the most frequent physical complications; sleep disturbance was common. Psychological complications occur at higher rates than do physical complications in plastic surgical practices. Patients with pre-existing psychological conditions are more at risk for peri-operative psychological complications. Nurses should be adequately prepared to screen, support, and coordinate psychological treatment for plastic surgery patients with the plastic surgeon.