Propranolol reduces the anxiety associated with day case surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if propranolol, a non-cardioselective beta-blocker, can reduce the anxiety associated with day case surgery.


METHODS
Prospective randomized double blind trial.


METHODS
University hospital, Ireland.


METHODS
An unselected group of 53 patients undergoing day case surgery.


METHODS
Subjects randomised to receive either propranolol (10 mg) or placebo on the morning of operation.


METHODS
Blood pressure; pulse, anxiety, pain score and patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
Mean (SD) Hospital Anxiety and Depression score was significantly lower in the propranolol group than in the control group (2.5 (0.7) compared with 4.6 (0.7), p < 0.0001) before discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
A low dose of propranolol given on the morning of day case surgery significantly reduced patients' anxiety.
Mealy
K
K
Dept. of Surgery, Adelaide Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Ngeh
N
N
Gillen
P
P
Fitzpatrick
G
G
Keane
F B
FB
Tanner
A
A
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D011433:Propranolol