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The effect of perioperative psychological intervention on fatigue after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

Background

Fatigue is one of the main complaints after surgery and may last longer than physical symptoms. It prevents return to normal function and activity. Relaxation interventions, performed prior to abdominal surgery, have been shown to reduce pain, wound erythema, and systemic cortisol levels. However, there is a lack of data on the impact of this intervention on patient well-being, functional recovery, activities of daily living, and fatigue after discharge from hospital.

Methods

The study was a randomised single-blinded trial. Patients who were to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for any indication between April 2008 and May 2010 were screened for inclusion. Those in the intervention group attended a standardised 45 min relaxation session with a health psychologist and were given relaxation exercise CDs to take home. The control group did not have the intervention. Patients were followed for 30 days. Fatigue was measured using the identity-consequence fatigue scale.

Results

Seventy-five patients were randomised. Fifteen patients were excluded after randomization for various reasons; hence, 60 patients were followed up and analysed. Both groups had similar fatigue at baseline. There was improved fatigue and consequence of fatigue on postoperative day 30 in the intervention group. There was no difference in fatigue at any other time point postoperatively.

Conclusion

This was the first interventional study targeting fatigue after laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using a brief psychological relaxation intervention. It has shown a reduction of fatigue and impact of fatigue at 30 days postoperatively in the intervention group.

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Acknowledgment

The authors thank Janine Thomas, Iris Fontanilla, Maria Vitas, and Lisa Thompson for their assistance in this study. This study was funded by a Health Research Council of New Zealand Grant 07/259.

Disclosures

Arman Kahokehr, Elizabeth Broadbent, Benjamin Wheeler, Tarik Sammour, and Andrew Hill have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, South Auckland Clinical School, Middlemore Hospital, University of Auckland, P.O. Box 93311, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand

    Arman Kahokehr, Benjamin R. L. Wheeler, Tarik Sammour & Andrew G. Hill

  2. Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Elizabeth Broadbent

  3. South Auckland Clinical School, P.O. Box 93311, Auckland, New Zealand

    Arman Kahokehr

Authors
  1. Arman Kahokehr
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  2. Elizabeth Broadbent
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  3. Benjamin R. L. Wheeler
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  4. Tarik Sammour
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  5. Andrew G. Hill
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arman Kahokehr.

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Kahokehr, A., Broadbent, E., Wheeler, B.R.L. et al. The effect of perioperative psychological intervention on fatigue after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial. Surg Endosc 26, 1730–1736 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-011-2101-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-011-2101-7

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