EVALUATIONOFPATIENT SATISFACTION BETWEEN SPINAL VERSUS GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Abstract

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of the quality of surgical care that can be influenced by the type of anesthesia used as well. Spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) are widely used in elective surgery, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to compare patient satisfaction with spinal versus general anesthesia during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, as well as overall satisfaction after the anesthesia experience. A total of 66 patients were enrolled, of whom 33 received spinal anesthesia and 33 received general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia demonstrated improved patient satisfaction after a risk-benefit analysis (p = 0.025), intraoperative comfort (p < 0.001), intraoperative and postoperative pain control (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively), minimal recovery of alertness (p = 0.02), and overall willingness to choose the option (p = 0.003). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher education level was the only significant predictor of satisfaction (OR = 1.964, p = 0.042). We concluded that Spinal anesthesia demonstrated greater patient satisfaction than general anesthesia in the studies reviewed. It should be considered the preferred option, when clinically appropriate, complemented by comprehensive preoperative counseling and shared decision-making to further improve the patient experience.

Keywords: Spinal anesthesia; general anesthesia; patient satisfaction; elective surgery; postoperative outcomes.