Developing world. Patients' choice of anaesthetic techniques in a developing country.
A study of the choice between general and local anaesthetic techniques among 200 post-operative Nigerian patients was conducted, using a questionnaire. The patients were interviewed between two and seven days after various types of surgery. Most of the patients (59.5%) preferred general anaesthesia. The commonest reason was fear with psychological upset if they are awake during surgery. This appears to be a basic human feeling which does not appear to be related to sophistication or level of development. Adequate pre-operative communication between doctors and patients should minimise this apprehension. 18% preferred local anaesthetic techniques while 21.5% would not mind either.
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001364:Awareness; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D012923:Social Class; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology