"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Getting ready to go under the knife can be scary—even when it’s for a procedure you’ve wanted for as long ...

Most people feel a mixture of anxiety, nervousness, and excitement in the weeks leading up to surgery. It can also be a busy time when people make preparations for their recovery. Doctors stress the ...

Carli Tourdot is a Child Life specialist and a children's book author. Tourdot is pictured with her book "Today is the Day! My First Surgery" on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Rochester.

Within the next year, about 50 million people will undergo surgery in the United States. And with rare exceptions, all of these people — both adults and children — will suffer from anxiety beforehand.