Preoperative Anxiety Level in Odontectomy Patients with General Anesthesia at the X Hospital

Abstract

Odontectomy (surgical extraction of impacted teeth), commonly performed under general anesthesia (GA), is a significant source of stress. Preoperative anxiety is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes, including cardiovascular instability, increased postoperative pain, and delayed recovery. Quantifying this anxiety is crucial for targeted anxiolytic interventions.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of preoperative anxiety in adult patients scheduled for odontectomy under GA at X Hospital and to identify associated demographic and clinical factors. A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 119 adult patients scheduled for elective odontectomy under GA. Anxiety was measured in the pre-anesthesia holding area (30–60 minutes prior to surgery) using the validated Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). A total APAIS score ≥12 was defined as clinically significant anxiety. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests. The overall prevalence of clinically significant preoperative anxiety (APAIS total score ≥12) was found to be 58.0% (n=69/119). The mean APAIS total score for the entire cohort was 12.8±3.1 (range 6-30). Significant differences were found between genders, with females (n=65) exhibiting a significantly higher mean APAIS total score (14.1±2.8) compared to males (n=54; 11.5±3.0; p<0.001). Patients scheduled for multiple odontectomies (n=115) showed significantly higher anxiety levels than those scheduled for a single tooth extraction (n=4; p=0.012). The primary source of anxiety cited was the fear of the general anesthesia process (intubation, waking up) rather than the surgical pain itself. Preoperative anxiety is highly prevalent in odontectomy patients scheduled for GA at X Hospital. Given the high mean anxiety scores, a standardized anxiety screening tool (APAIS) and mandatory pharmacological (e.g., Midazolam) or non-pharmacological (e.g., structured psychoeducation) interventions are strongly recommended in the pre-anesthesia phase to optimize patient care and improve perioperative outcomes.