PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY IN ADULT SURGICAL PATIENTS: PERIOPERATIVE OUTCOMES AND NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS - A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety affects patients undergoing all types of surgical procedures. It stems from the concerns about both the course and the results of the surgery, as well as their postoperative performance. The changes that occur in the body under stress have a significant impact on perioperative outcomes and postoperative recovery. Recently, there has been  a growing body of research on the effects of postoperative stress and non-pharmacological methods of treating it, which are safer than pharmacological methods. Aim: The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the recent evidence on the influence of preoperative anxiety on perioperative outcomes and  the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatment methods. Material and methods: Sources for the narrative review were taken from the studies published in the PubMed database between 2021 and 2026. Results: The greatest impact was demonstrated regarding the use of analgesics and anesthetics. Anxiety was also associated with a longer recovery process and a greater risk of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) and postoperative delirium (POD). Methods of treating preoperative anxiety have been shown to be effective, including: counseling sessions, educational interventions, CBT, hypnosis, physical interventions, musical interventions, aromatherapy and virtual reality interventions. Conclusions: Preoperative anxiety should be considered an important factor in preparing patients for surgeries. Early detection and implementation of therapeutic interventions are crucial. Studies on a larger population of patients are necessary, divided into precisely defined subgroups and with a clearly defined methodology for measuring anxiety.