Babol University of Medical Sciences Caspian Journal of Surgery 3115-9087 Articles in Press 2026 04 20 Beyond the Scalpel: Integrating Mental Health Support in Surgical Patient Care 735168 10.22088/caspjs.2026.2087202.1053 EN Pouya Tayebi Associate Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. 0000-0002-6923-0221 Journal Article 2026 04 19 Surgical procedures, while crucial for physical healing, often impose substantial psychological stress on patients, impacting recovery and overall well-being. This editorial advocates for a paradigm shift towards integrating mental health support throughout the surgical journey. It highlights the prevalence of perioperative psychological challenges, including preoperative anxiety and postoperative mood disturbances, and their detrimental effects on clinical outcomes. The piece emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating systematic psychological screening, enhanced patient communication, optimized pain management, and robust postoperative support. By moving beyond a purely biomedical focus, healthcare providers can foster holistic patient recovery, improve satisfaction, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of surgical interventions.