About 54% Hesitate on Surgery Due to Post-Operative 'Pain' and 'Scars,' Revealing Concerns Over Physical Burden

What kind of life after surgery do you imagine?

When you hear about heart surgery, many people probably wonder first whether they’ll be able to return to their normal lives.

How soon after surgery can you resume everyday activities like work, housework, or going out?

Could pain and scars contribute to hesitation about undergoing surgery?

Even if you’re not directly affected, this topic might feel surprisingly close when you imagine it for a moment.

That’s why we conducted a joint survey with NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital, targeting 500 men and women nationwide, on the topic of 'Quality of Life (QOL) after heart surgery.'

※ When quoting the content of this press release, please observe the following:

・Indicate the source as 'Survey by NEXER Group Inc. and NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital'

・Include a link to NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital (https://newheart.jp/)

Survey Overview: 'QOL After Heart Surgery'

Survey Method: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: June 25–29, 2026

Respondents: Men and women across Japan

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: How long do you think it will take to fully return to daily life (work, housework, going out, etc.) after heart surgery?

Question 2: Are there any things you absolutely want to do after heart surgery? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 3: Please tell us what concerns you about achieving those things after surgery.

Question 4: Do post-surgical 'pain' and 'scars' make you hesitate about undergoing surgery?

Question 5: Please explain why you feel this way.

Question 6: If hospitalization could be shortened to about half the current duration, would you consider a specialized medical facility far from your home as a potential surgery location?

Question 7: Please explain your reason.

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest second decimal place, so totals may not add up to exactly 100%.

42.4% believe it will take '6 months or more' to fully recover and return to daily life

First, we asked how long people think it will take to return to daily life after heart surgery.

The most common response was '6 months or more,' at 42.4%.

This was followed by 'about 1 to 3 months' (25.4%), 'about 3 to 6 months' (15.8%), and 'about 2 weeks to 1 month' (14.0%).

Only 2.4% believed recovery would take 'within one week.'

While over 40% expect it will take more than half a year to recover, over 40% also believe they can return within three months, indicating a wide variation in people’s expectations.

Given that heart surgery involves an organ directly linked to life, it’s understandable that many take a cautious view that 'recovery won’t be immediate.'

However, actual recovery periods vary depending on the surgical method and patient condition. Recently, less invasive techniques such as keyhole heart surgery and robotic heart surgery have emerged, allowing some patients to be discharged as early as three days post-surgery.

The prevailing image that 'you can’t move for over six months' might be discouraging people from taking the first step toward necessary treatment.

After heart surgery, 'enjoying gourmet food and dining out' is the top desire, at 41.6%

Next, we asked what people absolutely want to do after heart surgery.

The most common response was 'enjoying gourmet food and dining out,' at 41.6%.

This was followed by 'domestic travel' (29.0%) and 'resuming hobbies (fishing, gardening, playing musical instruments, etc.)' (27.4%).

It’s striking that top desires are everyday pleasures—like eating delicious food or spending time with family—rather than extraordinary experiences like travel or sports. After surviving a major surgery, people may simply look forward to a quietly fulfilling daily life.

We also asked about the concerns people have about achieving these goals after surgery. Here are some selected responses:

Please tell us what concerns you about achieving these things after surgery.

・Worry about movement restrictions. (Female, 20s)

・Fear of sudden recurrence at any moment. (Male, 20s)

・Physical burden during travel. (Male, 20s)

・Uncertainty about whether physical strength will fully recover. (Male, 30s)

・Concern about lingering side effects, or even if not, whether the wound might throb. (Female, 30s)

・Uncertainty about costs and potential restrictions. (Female, 30s)

These responses converge on concerns about 'whether physical strength will return,' 'whether recurrence will happen,' and 'how much activity is safe.' It appears that anxiety stems less from the activities themselves and more from uncertainty about recovery and what life will be like afterward.

How active can you be after surgery? What kind of life awaits?

Just having a clear picture of the recovery path could significantly boost positive motivation.

54.0% say pain and scars are a 'reason for hesitation' about surgery

Next, we asked whether post-surgical 'pain' and 'scars' make people hesitate about undergoing surgery.

'Rather a reason' accounted for 33.0%, and 'a major reason' for 21.0%, totaling 54.0% who connect pain and scars to hesitation about surgery. On the other hand, 'not much of a reason' was 26.4%, and 'not a reason at all' was 19.6%, totaling 46.0%.

We also asked why people feel this way. Here are some selected responses:

Respondents who said it 'is a reason':

・I dislike the idea of a permanent scar. (Female, 20s)

・Pain is the biggest source of stress. (Male, 30s)

・Even with painkillers, there are side effects. (Female, 30s)

・It might never fully disappear. (Female, 20s)

・It could severely disrupt daily life. (Male, 20s)

Respondents who said it 'is not a reason':

・I can’t move forward without surgery. (Female, 20s)

・At least scars won’t kill me. (Female, 20s)

・Life is more important than scars. (Male, 30s)

・If I recover, I don’t particularly mind. (Male, 30s)

・If surgery is necessary, there’s no reason to hesitate. (Male, 40s)

Those concerned about pain and scars appear to worry not just about appearance, but also about stress and long-term impact on daily life.

On the other hand, for those who prioritize the necessity of surgery and the benefits of treatment, pain and scars are less likely to be major decision factors. Attitudes toward surgery vary depending on symptom severity, impact on daily life, and personal values.

68.8% say they would consider distant specialized hospitals if hospitalization could be halved

Finally, we asked whether, if hospitalization could be shortened to about half the current duration, they would consider a specialized medical facility far from home as a potential surgery location.

'Would consider depending on conditions (cost, transportation, etc.)' accounted for 59.0%, and 'would actively consider' for 9.8%, totaling 68.8% who showed a positive attitude.

On the other hand, 'would not really consider' was 14.8%, '