Commonly expressed fears by patients:
(1) fear of death or not waking up after surgery
(2) fear of masks or needles used during induction
(3) waking up during the middle of the operation
(4) feeling pain during the operation
(5) talking while under general anesthesia (being indiscreet)
(6) post-operative vomiting
(7) post-operative pain
(8) miscellaneous fears
Other concerns:
(1) pregnant women concern about the effects of anesthetics on infants
(2) impact of illness on family members
(3) economics
Additional factors affecting the level of anxiety before surgery:
(1) age of the patient (typically greatest in teenagers and middle aged patients)
(2) previous experience with anesthesia and surgery
(3) anxious personality
(4) rapport and trust with anesthesiologist and surgeon
(5) seriousness of the operation and what may be found at surgery
(6) perceived benefit from the operation
where:
• A preoperative interview between the patient and the anesthesiologist can help allay some concerns, and is better than having the acquaintance made moments before the induction.
