Inhaled anesthetic agents do not increase the risk of delirium in the early post-operative period for elderly patients, according to a study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2011 Annual Meeting.
The study compared elderly patients receiving general anesthesia with isoflurane with those receiving total intravenous anesthesia. The only effect on the occurrence of delirium was associated with the patient's medical condition and cognitive status prior to surgery.
Preoperative cognitive status is a significant predictor of postoperative delirium, according to the report. The type of general anesthesia is not.
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The study compared elderly patients receiving general anesthesia with isoflurane with those receiving total intravenous anesthesia. The only effect on the occurrence of delirium was associated with the patient's medical condition and cognitive status prior to surgery.
Preoperative cognitive status is a significant predictor of postoperative delirium, according to the report. The type of general anesthesia is not.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Study: Effective Propofol Dose Lower for Obese Children
Anesthesia Experts Testify at Trial for Michael Jackson's Physician
Older Patients Drive More Safely After Ambulatory Surgery