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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
03:59
Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy
Published on: January 10, 2019
Summary
Verbal interactions during surgery significantly increase patient anxiety, even under anesthesia. Understanding these psychological triggers is crucial for improving patient care during medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Psychology
- Surgical Care
Background:
- Patient anxiety during surgical procedures is a common concern.
- Lumbar extradural anesthesia is frequently used for hernia repair.
- Objective measures of anxiety are needed to understand patient experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the anxiety levels of patients undergoing hernia repair under lumbar extradural anesthesia.
- To identify specific features of the surgical procedure that provoke anxiety.
- To discuss the psychological implications of identified anxiety triggers.
Main Methods:
- Galvanic skin response (GSR) was used to measure anxiety.
- 26 male and female patients undergoing hernia repair were studied.
- Anxiety was assessed during lumbar extradural anesthesia.
Main Results:
- The galvanic skin response indicated varying levels of anxiety.
- Verbal interactions concerning patient well-being were the most significant anxiety-provoking feature.
- Patients exhibited heightened anxiety in response to specific communication during surgery.
Conclusions:
- Direct verbal communication regarding patient well-being is a primary source of anxiety during surgery.
- The psychological impact of surgical communication warrants further investigation.
- Strategies to mitigate anxiety related to verbal interactions should be developed for enhanced patient care.
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