General anesthesia used during surgery can have a negative impact on the elderly

A study, published in Anesthesia & Analgesics, found that in-hospital delirium can potentially lead to a decline in cognitive function, requiring admission to long-term care facilities. Researchers investigated the prevalence and negative outcomes of delirium on the elderly in the hospital setting. Participants, aged 70 and older, were evaluated for a diagnosis of delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after their surgical procedures. Further evaluations were done on the ward.

Of the 91 patients, of whom 58 percent were female, 78 percent were found to have a prevalence of 45 percent delirium in the PACU. For those whose delirium resolved by post-op day 1, the severity of negative outcomes fell between those who had no delirium and those who delirium persisted after transfer to the hospital wards.

Researchers note that while post-operative delirium from anesthesia is common, it is not universal. If it persists, delirium has the potential to cause a decline in cognition may increase the need for institutionalization after discharge from the hospital setting.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.