Anxiety Among Patients Undergoing Nail Surgery and Skin Punch Biopsy: Effects of Age, Gender, Educational Status, and Previous Experience.

BACKGROUND

Patient anxiety about nail surgery relates mainly to pain associated with needle puncture, anesthetic flow during the procedure, and postoperative care, as well as possible past traumatic experience.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to compare anxiety levels among patients undergoing nail surgery and skin punch biopsy and to assess the effects of demographic characteristics on anxiety.

METHODS

Forty-eight consecutive patients who were referred to a dermatological surgery unit for nail surgery intervention (group 1) and 50 age- and sex-matched patients referred to the same unit for skin punch biopsy (group 2) were enrolled in the study. Patients' anxiety levels were measured using Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in median anxiety level between group 1 (42.00; interquartile range, 6.50) and group 2 (41.00; interquartile range, 8.25) (P = .517). The demographic factors of patient sex, educational status, and prior surgery showed no significant effects on anxiety levels.

CONCLUSION

Nail surgery does not seem to cause significantly greater anxiety than skin punch biopsy.