ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND DELAYED WOUND HEALING AFTER MAJOR SURGERY.
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Keywords
Depression, Wound Healing, Surgery Outcomes
Abstract
Depression is a common yet under-recognised psychological condition that significantly influences postoperative outcomes. It disrupts neuroendocrine and immune pathways, impairing the regulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis. These biochemical alterations may delay wound healing after major surgery, thereby increasing morbidity.
Objectives: To determine the association between preoperative depression and delayed wound healing after major surgery and to assess its relationship with demographic and clinical factors among adult surgical patients.
Methodology: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, from Jan 2024 to June 2024 on 100 adult patients undergoing major elective surgery. Depression was assessed preoperatively using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Demographic and clinical data were documented. Delayed healing was defined as persistent inflammation, dehiscence, or inadequate epithelialization by day 14.
Results: The 100 patients (mean age 48.6 ± 13.2 years), preoperative depression was present in 38%. Delayed wound healing occurred in 32% of the cohort. Depressed patients had a significantly higher rate of delayed healing (52.6%) compared to non-depressed patients (19.4%), with p = 0.003. Depression remained the strongest factor associated with impaired healing, accompanied by increased inflammation, prolonged angiogenesis, and slower epithelialization, independent of age,
Conclusion: Depression is a significant predictor of delayed postoperative wound healing. Early detection and integrated psychological support may improve surgical outcomes and reduce postoperative morbidity.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
M Nadeem Umar
Dept of Surgery, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi
Mohsin Aliemuddin
Dept of Psychiatry, PAF Hospital Sargodha
Farah Ahmed
Dept of Community Medicine, Wateem Medical College, Rawalpindi
Adnan Saleem Umar
CMH Sialkot, Sialkot.
Minahil Nadeem
Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi
Mashaal Nadeem
Wateem Medical College, Rawalpindi
