PATIENTS ASSESSMENT AND RECALL OF SURGICAL INFORMATION AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Background: While patients' needs for adequate preoperative informatio n are generally recognized, data evaluating the effectiveness of the c onsultation before laparoscopic cholecystectomy have not been publishe d until today. This prospective study was performed to investigate the success of preoperative information. Methods: A combination of oral a nd written information was given to all patients in two interviews. In formation concentrated on indications for surgery, operative procedure s, and risks. Patients were asked to answer questionnaires 5 days afte r the operation. Results: From January 1996 to January 1997, 200 patie nts were interviewed. Ninety-seven percent indicated to wish detailed information. Eighty-four percent indicated a high level of satisfactio n with the presented information. While the levels of knowledge concer ning indications for surgery and procedures were satisfactory in 85 an d 51% respectively, only 30% were able to name at least one risk facto r of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients' evaluation of their surgical knowledge and the process by which it was communicated to them did not correspond to their abil ity to recall this information after surgery.