Post-operative confusion in the elderly--a literature review

The literature indicates that the elderly form a substantial proportion of surgical patients and that a disproportionate number of them suffer an abnormal temporary change in mental state which can have an adverse effect on their recovery. A computer search using 'Medline' and the 'Nursing and Allied Health Database' from 1966-1988 revealed very few references which related directly to post-operative confusion in the elderly. One study in 1984 located only "one prospective, cohort, analytical study of post-operative confusion" which was undertaken in 1979. Two further studies have since been published in 1985, but there is obviously a paucity of literature in this area.