Early Diagnosis Of Postoperative Delirium in Patients Who Underwent General Surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT
 Objective: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common postoperative complication. This study aimed to diagnose POD early primarily in patients who underwent General Surgery. 
 Material and Method: Data of 303 patients at the age of 18 and above who were operated by General Surgery Clinic between March 2018 and May 2018,who received general anesthesia were included in the study.
 Patients’ demographic data, occupation, educational status, income level, additional diseases, ASA (American Society of Anesthesia) score, previous surgeries, history of a psychiatric or neurological disease, history of alcohol, cigarette, or drug use, and memory problems were recorded. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to identify preoperative mental levels of the patients. 
 Diagnosis of the patient, name, duration and features of the surgery to be performed, whether the surgery was urgent or elective, drugs used, type of catheterization recorded. The diagnosis of POD in patients was evaluated with Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). 
 Results: POD developed in 2-6% (8 patients) of the patients. Results showed that the risk of delirium decreased as the education levels of the patients increased. A significant relationship was recorded between delirium and only midazolam among anesthetic agents used. 
 Conclusion: Diagnosing POD with CAM in an early postoperative period was advantageous. The treatment planning of the patients for POD could be done in the early period. By doing this, increase in mortality, morbidity and cost as a result of missing the diagnosis of POD was prevented.
 Key Words: Postoperative Delirium, General Surgery, Cognitive Disorders