A Survey of Patient Response to Office Surgery

Over 3 years, 407 women (mean age 32 yrs, range 20-57 yrs) were selected to be interviewed before, immediately after, and 8 weeks and 6 months after surgery performed in the office. All patients had undergone both in-hospital and outpatient gynecologic procedures at least once in the past. A questionnaire elicited information on 10 common emotional responses to office surgery: surrender of control, depersonalization, helplessness, anxiety, fear of pain, fear of loss of identity, emotional lability, regression or dependency, feeling of illness, and grief. Of 407 patients, 382 completed the study to the 6-month interview. Office surgery resulted in overall decreases in all 10 categories compared with hospital-based surgery. Women's feelings concerning confidentiality, decreased paperwork, and a familiar environment were significant. Office surgery was clearly well accepted compared with the hospital, and 90% of women said they would choose this setting again if offered. Further study with control groups will be performed to evaluate these initial findings for statistical significance.