Anxiety Among Patients Undergoing Nail Surgery and Skin Punch Biopsy

Abstract

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.