Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by Different Surgical Methods and Its Risk Factors.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant concern following abdominal surgery.
• Understanding the influence of surgical techniques and identifying risk factors is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of different surgical methods on cognitive function after abdominal surgery.
• To identify risk factors for POCD using logistic regression.
• To investigate the relationship between surgical methods and identified risk factors for POCD.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 70 patients (32-85 years) undergoing selective abdominal surgery were evaluated.
• Cognitive function assessed using mini-mental state examination preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 7.
• Data collected included tympanic membrane temperature, P_ETCO₂, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, education level, and operation time.

Main Results:

• The incidence of perioperative hypothermia was significantly higher in group O (31.2%) compared to group L (10.5%).
• VAS pain scores differed significantly between groups on postoperative days 1 and 7.
• POCD incidence was significantly higher in group O than group L on postoperative days 1 and 7.
• Logistic regression identified age, perioperative hypothermia, and postoperative pain as significant risk factors for POCD.

Conclusions:

• Surgical method significantly influences POCD incidence in abdominal surgery patients.
• Perioperative hypothermia and postoperative pain are critical, modifiable risk factors for POCD.
• Optimizing surgical techniques and managing hypothermia and pain can mitigate POCD risk.