[Neuropsychologic effects of anesthesia in the elderly]

Two anaesthetic techniques, the general balanced anaesthesia and the spinal one, have been compared in relation to their effects on neuropsychological functions as assessed by a neuropsychological test battery. Seventeen patients, who underwent different kinds of operations, have been kept under observation and checked up from a neuropsychological point of view 3 days before (time A) and 7 and 30 days after the operation (respectively time B and time C). No statistical significant differences in relation to the two anaesthetic techniques were found when comparing A, B and C assessment times. A decrease in cognitive performance at time B and a gradual return to basal condition were observed in patients who underwent general anaesthesia. Nevertheless the lack of statistical significance of the observed data leads to the need for further investigation.