POSTOPERATIVE ANXIETY IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RETROGRADE URETEROSCOPIC LASER LITHOTRIPSY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT THONG NHAT HOSPITAL

Abstract

Ureteral calculi account for approximately 20–40% of urinary tract stone diseases, second only to renal calculi. Retrograde ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy is a widely used minimally invasive procedure, offering rapid recovery and low complication rates. However, postoperative anxiety remains a clinical concern. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 patients undergoing retrograde ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy at Thong Nhat Hospital between March and September 2023. The prevalence and severity of postoperative anxiety were assessed using standardized measures. Postoperative anxiety was identified in 95.15% of patients, predominantly at a mild level. Mild and moderate anxiety were observed in 83.64% and 11.51% of cases, respectively, with a mean score of 4.53 ± 2.58. The most common concerns included fear of complications (84.8%), postoperative pain (66.1%), and indwelling JJ stent placement (43.6%). Postoperative anxiety was highly prevalent among patients undergoing retrograde ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy, although generally mild in severity. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive perioperative counseling and psychological support to reduce patient anxiety and enhance recovery outcomes.