Repercussões físicas, emocionais e socioeconômicas nos indivíduos que vivenciam a espera prolongada por cirurgia

Objective: To describe the physical, emotional, and socioeconomic repercussions resulting from the prolonged waiting for surgery by users of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Method: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out based on the electronic database “Caixa Preta da Saude”. The registered records were collected in 2015. The results were presented in thematic categories and interpreted according to the Theory of Praxic Intervention of Nursing in Public Health. Results: The prolonged waiting for surgery contributed to: 1) the worsening of physical health, characterized mainly by pain and disability; 2) emotional suffering, evidenced by despair, indignation, frustration, among others; 3) the socioeconomic impact related to the inability to work and defray health expenses. Conclusion: The prolonged waiting for surgery had a negative impact on the lives of individuals. Comprehensive care in the care of patients who need surgery will be guaranteed if it is addressed in the structural, singular, and particular dimensions.