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Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Review

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to review how these effects of general anesthesia affect geriatric patients' cognitive function and the precautions taken by anesthesiologists to reduce these effects. Data analysis A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed, Medscape, Science Direct, Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, ASA Publications, The Open Anesthesia Journal) and also of the materials available on the internet was carried out. The search was performed in the electronic databases in the English language only from 2003 to 2019. Study selection The initial search presented 150 articles of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. The articles studied the effect of general anesthesia on geriatric patients' cognitive function. Data extraction Articles not reporting on the effect of general anesthesia on geriatric patients' cognitive function in the title or abstract were not included. Four independent investigators extracted data on methods, health outcomes and traditional protocol. Data synthesis Data were synthesized qualitatively, and we did not perform a quantitative data analysis. Findings Multiple studies have found that postoperative cognitive disorders including delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction are common postanesthesia complications in elderly patients. Conclusion As the population ages, the number of geriatric patients undergoing surgery is increasing and, with it, the prevalence of postoperative cognitive disorders. Postoperative cognitive disorders including delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction are common postanesthesia complications in elderly patients. Several risk factors for postoperative disorders have been identified, and anesthesiologists usually adapt their practice habits when taking care of elderly patients to try to reduce the effects of the anesthetics on postoperative cognitive functions.

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