Patient expectations shape convalescence after major liver surgery – A prospective, randomized study

Background Several studies suggest an important influence of patient expectations on outcomes. We hypothesized that patient expectations with regard to length of postoperative stay influence convalescence after liver resections. Method This prospective, randomized study compared patients who were preoperatively either informed to be expected to stay 7–10 days (short arm) or 12–16 days (long arm) after major liver resections (≥4 segments)....