Postoperative Discomforts and Patient Satisfaction Following Anesthesia in Gynecological Oncology Surgery: An Observational Study

Abstract Background: Patient satisfaction is a crucial metric in evaluating the quality of anesthesia care, encompassing both the management of postoperative discomfort and the effectiveness of communication and recovery support. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anesthesia-related discomforts and overall patient satisfaction following gynecological oncology surgeries. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 180 adult female patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgeries under general anesthesia. Postoperative symptoms such as thirst, drowsiness, pain, sore throat, hoarseness, shivering, and nausea were documented using patient-reported outcomes. Satisfaction across multiple care domains—preoperative information, awakening, pain therapy, postoperative nausea and vomiting management, and general care—was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Common postoperative discomforts included moderate thirst (62.22%), drowsiness (63.88%), and pain at the surgical site (44.44%). Hoarseness and sore throat were also reported by a considerable proportion of patients (38.88% and 33.33%, respectively). Severe symptoms were infrequent across all domains. Awareness during anesthesia was extremely rare (0.01%). High levels of patient satisfaction were recorded, with 83.33% satisfied with the awakening experience, 72.77% with pain therapy, and no reported dissatisfaction regarding preoperative information or general care. Conclusion: Most patients reported moderate but manageable postoperative symptoms, and overall satisfaction with anesthesia-related care was high. These findings highlight the value of patient-centered perioperative strategies, including anticipatory guidance, effective symptom control, and clear communication. Further research should explore targeted interventions to optimize recovery and improve satisfaction outcomes across diverse surgical populations.