Leikkauspäiväkisa

Leikkauspäiväkisa is a Finnish term that translates to "operation day race" or "surgery day contest." It refers to a phenomenon where patients undergoing elective surgeries, particularly those with a significant waiting list, might experience a surge of anxiety or a competitive spirit as their scheduled operation day approaches. The underlying reason for this is the desire to undergo the procedure and recover, often as quickly as possible, to return to normal life, work, or sports.

The "race" aspect isn't a formal competition but rather a psychological experience. Patients may feel a sense of urgency and a desire to be among the first to be operated on, especially if they perceive their condition as worsening or impacting their quality of life significantly. This can lead to increased attention to pre-operative instructions, such as dietary restrictions or medication adjustments, and a heightened awareness of any changes in their health status.

While often a source of mild, internal stress, the leikkauspäiväkisa can also be a motivating factor for some patients to strictly adhere to pre-operative protocols. Healthcare professionals are generally aware of this patient psychology and may use it to encourage compliance. It's important to note that the actual order of surgeries is determined by medical urgency, availability of resources, and surgical scheduling, not by any perceived patient "race." The term is more of a colloquial description of the patient's internal experience rather than a structured event.