[Effect of information by images on patients' anxiety and comprehension before esthetic surgery on the abdominal wall: a prospective randomised trial with 60 patients].

Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement before every surgical procedure especially when it comes to esthetic surgery. Obtaining a satisfactory understanding of the risks and benefits of the operation by patients remains a critical problem. This trial aimed to assess the value of visual information. Patients scheduled to undergo abdominoplasty were approached during the first preoperative consultation. All patients were given an information leaflet about the procedure and completed a Spielberger state trait anxiety inventory (state-trait inventory, STAI form Y-1): questionnaire to assess baseline anxiety. The patients were then randomly assigned to watch or not watch the information CD-Rom during the second preoperative consultation. The day before surgery the patient completed a second anxiety questionnaire and a knowledge questionnaire. 67 patients were screened, 2 declined to participate and 5 were unable to complete the form. Of the remaining 60 patients 30 were assigned to look at the CD-Rom and the remaining 30 not. The groups were similar in regards to age, sex, education and initial anxiety score. Patients who watched the CD-Rom were significantly less anxious before a esthetic surgery than those who did not (Mean STAI 45 for the "image group" [38.2-46.3] vs 55 for the "no image group" [49.9-63.8]). Furthermore they also scored higher in the knowledge questionnaire than the "no image" group as far as the purpose and the procedural details of the surgery were concerned. However statistical difference of knowledge regarding the potential complications of the procedure was not found.