Traumatic Stress among Children after Surgical Intervention for Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUNDHospitalization and surgery are traumatic experiences that can result after traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Surgical interventions for congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) can be very stressful, but their potential for causing PTSS has not been studied. We aim to determine prospectively whether children undergoing surgery for CMN develop PTSS and what are the specific risk factors for such an event.OBJECTIVEThe authors aim to determine prospectively whether children undergoing surgery for CMN develop PTSS and what the specific risk factors for such an event are.METHODSThirty children who were consecutively hospitalized in a pediatric surgery ward for CMN removal during the study period were recruited voluntarily. About 4 months after discharge from the hospital, the children and their parents were assessed for psychological distress.RESULTSAt the assessment 4 months after hospitalization, the children displayed a significant increase in symptoms of distress in comparison with baseline levels. Moreover, 33.3% met full post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnostic criteria. The number of invasive procedures, family resources, and parental distress predicted 40% of the variance in PTSS, with parental distress predicting it most significantly.CONCLUSIONThe high prevalence of PTSS among children undergoing CMN removal and among their parents emphasizes the importance of actions for prevention and early treatment of psychological distress.