Severe psychiatric disturbances in the post-operative period--a five-year survey of Belfast hospitals.

A review of studies relating to severe psychiatric disturbance in the post operative period has been undertaken. Various aspects of this disorder as it has presented in the Belfast Hospitals over a 5-year period have been discussed. Incidence has been estimated as 1 in every 1,600 surgical procedures. Valvotomy was highly represented but this study could not support the observations of other workers with regard to frequency. Neither could this investigation support the suggestion that a distinct clinical entity “post-operative psychosis” exists. Duration of stay in hospital pre-operatively was not regarded as being a significant factor. There was evidence of constitutional predisposition and it would seem that physical or psychogenic factors operating in such people may precipitate a disturbance following surgery.