Abstract

LEON CASTRO, Adriana  and  SALAZAR VARGAS, Carlos. Valoración psicológica perioperatoria en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular. Rev. costarric. cardiol [online]. 2007, vol.9, n.3, pp.11-15. ISSN 1409-4142.

Psychological perioperative evaluation in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery Introduction:Nowadays cardiovascular diseases are the commonest cause of mortality and cardiac surgery is commonly prescribed for some. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact caused by this recommendation upon the patients. Methods: From September 2005 to January 2007, 100 consecutive patients were operated upon All were interviewed before surgery by a psychologist,besides demographic questions,2 areas were explored,1 to asses the knowledge of their disease and understanding of the proposed intervention after having had an explanation by a health care provider and the other to determine the impact of the coming surgery upon their fears, feelings, thoughts and expectations. Results: There were 67 males and 33 females, (mmean age 55 and 50 respectivlely). Slightly over half, had only finished primary school, 9 did not have any schooling and the rest had either high school or college degrees. Even though a great majority claimed to have understood their disease, only half were able to give an adequate account of it.Less than half,could describe the recommended procedure and ¾knew nothing of the postoperative course. Regarding their fears, about half of the group was fearful of dying in the operating room, a fifth of dying from anesthesia and the rest were anxious from different reasons. A large percentage was fearful of postoperative side effects, and 40 were worried of their capacity to carry on their family obligations. Sexual performance and their economical and employment status were also cause of preoccupation. When asked how would they handle the fears listed above,25 said "with faith in God ",26 said with the help of the treating team, and 49 by changing towards a healthier lifestyle, 15 with family support and the rest "would confront them as they came " All the patients expected the surgery to be a complete success. Almost half wanted to improve their lives, 1/3 to be able to carry on a normal life,a ¼whished to return to work,and the rest placed their future in "God ’s hands ". In summary the recommendation of a cardiac operation induces fears that cause anxiety, depression and a sense of loss of control.The patient should be approached in a clear and easy manner,giving him chance to ask questions and to get rid of all his doubts. sychological ntervention uring this eriod is f paramount importance, o he an olerate this tressful situation and to help collaborate with his postoperative recovery.

Keywords : Psicological evaluation; cardiovascular intervention; depression.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )