Unseen wounds: a multinational investigation of neurointerventionalists on the psychological toll of complications

Background Complications not only affect patients but also impose a significant psychological burden on physicians. Quantitative data in neurointerventional surgery regarding the ‘second victim’ phenomenon are lacking. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms among neurointerventionalists after major complications. Methods A survey was developed by a committee of experienced neurointerventionalists and distributed internationally via multiple platforms. Respondents were anonymous. Demographic information, complication type, and institutional support availability were queried. Psychological distress was measured using the validated Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), which assesses intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal domains. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results Of 1042 invited physicians, 503 responded (48%), with 413 completing the full survey (40%). The most common pathology was cerebral aneurysm, and the most frequent complication was hemorrhage. Overall, 64% scored above the IES-R threshold for possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (≥24), with many reaching levels (≥37) associated with long-term stress and physiological sequelae. Intrusion was the dominant symptom domain, particularly distressing reminders about the complication. Lack of institutional support was significantly associated with possible PTSD (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5, P=0.02). No differences were observed by specialty, but geographic variations were present. High stress scores persisted long after the index event. Conclusion Complications exert a profound emotional and physiological toll on neurointerventionalists, with high rates of possible PTSD and a strong association with inadequate institutional support. Systematic support programs are urgently needed to safeguard physician well-being and patient safety.