Quality of life and emotional experience of patients undergoing thoracic surgery: preliminary results

Abstract

Surgical procedures seek both the survival and the quality of life of the patient, being an important factor in the cost-benefit ratio before, during and after treatment. This study explored presurgical variables such as quality of life, emotional experience, and physical symptoms of patients who undergo thoracic surgery, and assessed whether there were differences when comparing patients undergoing two different surgical techniques and according to their medical diagnosis (malignant vs. benign). The most frequent physical symptoms were insomnia, pain, difficulty in locomotion and dyspnea. There is a high prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms, and greater alteration in general health, mental health, vitality and body pain. No differences were found between patient groups. Post-surgical follow-up is required, identifying risk factors for less psychosocial adaptation.