Psychologic response to coronary artery bypass

This study reports the psychologic findings in 30 patients undergoing this operation. Approximately one third developed postcardiotomy delirium, an occurrence consistent with that after other forms of open-heart surgery. Acceptance of the operation as opposed to preoperative anxiety, depression or denial, adequate comprehension of the proposed procedure, and a stable postoperative environment seem associated with less postcardiotomy delirium. Preventive preoperative therapeutic suggestions based on these findings are given.