Response to presurgical stress in outpatient surgery: effects on lymphocyte populations of psychological treatment to prevent surgical anxiety

• Published in: Revista española de anestesiología y reanimación Vol. 52; no. 7; p. 383
• Main Authors: Madrigal García, I, Moreno Cuesta, J, Rubio Vitaller, A, Ibañez García, A, López Santiago, J, Martínez Gómez, L L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01-08-2005
• Subjects: Ambulatory Surgical Procedures - psychology; Antibody Formation; Anxiety - etiology; Anxiety - immunology; Anxiety - prevention & control; Anxiety - therapy; B-Lymphocyte Subsets; Female; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Lymphocyte Count; Lymphocyte Subsets; Male; Patient Education as Topic; Pilot Projects; Preoperative Care; Psychological Tests; Stress, Psychological - etiology; Stress, Psychological - immunology; Stress, Psychological - therapy; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0034-9356

To determine the effect of a psychological stress control intervention on lymphocyte populations in patients preparing for outpatient surgery.
A prospective randomized controlled trial enrolling 74 patients scheduled for major outpatient surgery at the Hospital Universitario de Albacete in Spain. The patients were randomized to a control (n = 37) or experimental group (n = 37). Measurements were recorded at baseline (preoperative visit) and before entering the operating room (just before surgery). The experimental group received treatment in a psychological stress control program consisting of an interview, watching a video, provision of informative literature about the operation and techniques for controlling anxiety. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg) was applied, and lymphocyte populations were assessed (total white cell count; CD3, CD4, CD4RA, CD4RO, CD8, CD56, CD19, and CD56 lymphocyte counts). Values were expressed as means (SD).
The group that received psychological stress prevention therapy had significantly lower CD19 (B lymphocyte) cell counts than did the control group just before surgery. No differences were found between the groups for any other variables.
Psychological stress control therapy prevents a decrease in B cell populations before outpatient surgery.