METHODS FOR REDUCING STRESS DURING MINOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES IN CHILDREN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
pediatric surgery, preoperative anxiety, stress reduction, non-pharmacological interventions, pharmacological sedation, procedural comfort, distraction techniques.Abstract
Perioperative stress and anxiety are highly prevalent in children undergoing minor surgical procedures, affecting up to 75% of this population. This psychological distress is not a transient inconvenience; it is strongly correlated with negative outcomes, including poor patient cooperation, increased anesthetic requirements, higher postoperative pain, and long-term behavioral disturbances such as nightmares and separation anxiety. Effectively mitigating this stress is a critical, yet challenging, component of pediatric care. This review synthesizes current evidence on both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, providing a crucial resource for anesthesiologists, surgeons, and pediatric nurses aiming to optimize procedural comfort and improve clinical outcomes.
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