The Effect of Multiple Surgeries on Psychosocial Outcomes in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

The studies here suggest that certain pediatric patient populations are at risk for impaired psychosocial functioning as a result of repetitive procedures. However, it is important to differentiate whether the association with poorer psychosocial outcomes is from the number of surgical procedures or whether the number if just a surrogate for increased disease complexity. Standardized psychosocial outcomes measures and future prospective, long-term, randomized clinical trials are also warranted.