Abstract

Anesthesia plays a critical role in routine surgeries by ensuring that patients undergo procedures without pain and discomfort. However, the experience of anesthesia can be a significant source of stress, leading to adverse physical and psychological outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a selected base hospital in Sri Lanka, where 234 surgeries under general anesthesia were reviewed. An interviewer- administered questionnaire was used as the study instrument, with patients interviewed during the pre-medication period. The study included only routine surgeries, excluding patients with previous surgical experiences under general anesthesia. Relevant descriptive statistics were implemented to analyze the data. Anxiety is a pervasive condition observed among all patients, with varying degrees of severity. Notably, 28.6% of the patients in this study exhibited moderate anxiety levels, indicating a significant portion of the population experiences heightened emotional distress prior to surgery. This anxiety is particularly prevalent among patients aged 40 to 59 years, suggesting that this demographic may be more vulnerable to preoperative stress. The apprehensions associated with general anesthesia (GA) reflect a broad spectrum of patient concerns, emphasizing the psychological burden that precedes surgical interventions. A significant number of patients, 109 in total, expressed a profound fear of paralysis following the administration of GA, indicating a prevalent anxiety regarding potential post-anesthetic complications. Similarly, 102 patients reported concerns about experiencing pain during the anesthetic procedure, underscoring the importance of addressing patient expectations and providing thorough preoperative explanations. Stress related to anesthesia in routine surgeries is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach to address. By understanding the sources of stress and the physiological mechanisms involved, healthcare providers can implement effective strategies to minimize the impact on patients. Pharmacological interventions, psychological support, advanced anesthetic techniques, and ERAS protocols are all valuable tools in reducing anesthesia-related stress and improving surgical outcomes. Continued research and innovation in this field are essential to further enhance patient care and ensure a positive surgical experience.