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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine expectations of postoperative quality of life expressed by patients undergoing anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for the control of intractable seizures. An important component of this study was an exploration of the relationship between preoperative expectations and perceived success of the operation.

Methods: Psychosocial functioning of 60 patients was assessed preand postoperatively, using a standardised, semistructured clinical interview. Preoperative assessment included a detailed examination of the patients' expectations of surgery, while postoperative assessment at 6 months examined the patients' perception of surgical success with respect to seizure outcome and postoperative psychosocial status.

Results: A range of expectations were expressed about postoperative outcome. These were classified into 11 posthoc categories. Patients who perceived …