Comparison of preoperative anxiety, bruxism, and postoperative pain among patients undergoing surgery for septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, and tympanoplasty

Abstract

Background: Septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, and tympanoplasty are the most commonly performed elective functional ear–nose–throat surgeries.

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between preoperative anxiety, bruxism, and postoperative pain in inpatient groups undergoing three different functional otorhinolaryngologic surgeries.

Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in a single center of a tertiary referral hospital. The patients (n = 90) who had undergone septoplasty (group A), endoscopic sinus surgery (group B), and tympanoplasty (group C) were included. The State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety Information Scale (APAIS) were administered. To evaluate bruxism, a self‑questionnaire was administered, and for the evaluation of pain, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was administered.

Results: In group C, preoperative STAI and APAIS and early and late pain values were higher than in the other groups. When patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of bruxism. A significant difference was found between the preoperative STAI and immediate and late VAS values (P < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between APAIS and early and late VAS values in group C (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients who will undergo tympanoplasty should be aware of the preoperative anxiety level and pain follow‑up. Bruxism can be considered a vital follow‑up parameter that manifests due to high preoperative anxiety. It may also be useful to examine preoperative bruxism and take appropriate measures due to its pain‑increasing effect in patients.