# A qualitative investigation into the psychological experiences of patients undergoing thoracotomy for the removal of intraesophageal fishbone

## TL;DR

This study explores the psychological experiences of patients who had surgery to remove fishbones from their esophagus, highlighting the need for mental health support during recovery.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new qualitative framework for understanding psychological impacts of thoracotomy for intraesophageal fishbone removal.

## Key findings

- Five key psychological themes emerged: assumptions, helplessness, fatigue, benefit, and gratitude.
- Patients reported a sense of hope and well-being during recovery when supported.
- Personalized psychological interventions are recommended for better outcomes.

## Abstract

Esophageal foreign bodies, especially fish bones, are common emergencies that may require surgery like thoracotomy. Psychological impacts such as pain and anxiety are often overlooked. This study explores patients’ psychological experiences during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to inform effective interventions and improve outcomes.

Between May 2022 and May 2023, we employed a purposive sampling technique to select 12 patients who had undergone thoracotomy for the removal of intraesophageal fishbone as participants in our study. Utilizing a phenomenological research framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews and applied Colaizzi’s seven-step method for data analysis to identify emergent themes.

The psychological experiences of patients at different stages of thoracotomy for intraesophageal fishbone removal can be summarized into five themes: assumptions during the event, helplessness and dependence before surgery, feelings of fatigue after surgery, sense of benefit during the recovery period, and gratitude and hope.

It is imperative for healthcare professionals to prioritize the psychological rehabilitation of patients by implementing personalized interventions. This approach should aim to facilitate both physical and mental recovery, thereby fostering a renewed sense of hope and well-being in patients.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-025-04421-w.