Preoperative anxiety
Short definition
Preoperative anxiety is the state of apprehension, fear or tension a person feels before surgery or anaesthesia, common in both adults and children.
In plain language
It is a common reaction to the unknown, to separation from family (in the case of children), to anaesthesia or to fear of pain. It matters because it can make anaesthetic induction more difficult and worsen the patient's experience. It is managed with information, parental presence, distraction, play and, in some cases, medication.