Conclusion Geriatric syndromes are important prognostic factors for postoperative complications .
Background Elective surgeries can be associated with significant harm to older adults .
The present study aim ed to identify the prognostic factors associated with the development of postoperative complications among older adults undergoing elective surgery .
The impact of the type of anaesthesia on cognitive status and delirium during the first postoperative days in elderly patients
Background and objectives : Postoperative confusion and delirium is a common complication in the elderly with a poorly understood pathophysiology . The aim of this study was to examine whether the type of anaesthesia ( general or regional ) plays a role in the development of cognitive impairment in elderly patients during the immediate postoperative period . Methods : Forty‐seven patients > 60 yr of age and undergoing major surgery were r and omly allocated to receive either regional or general anaesthesia .  The mental status of the patients was assessed preoperatively and during the first three postoperative days with the Mini Mental State Examination . The incidence of delirium was also examined during the same period with the use of DSM III criteria . Results : Overall , during the first three postoperative days , the mean Mini Mental State Examination score decreased significantly ( P < 0.001 ) . However , this decline was very significant only in patients assigned to receive general anaesthesia ( P < 0.001 ) compared to regional anaesthesia . Nine patients developed delirium but the type of anaesthesia did not affect its incidence . The only important factor for the development of delirium was pre‐existing cardiovascular disease irrespective of anaesthesia type ( P < 0.025 ) . Conclusions : Elderly patients subjected to general anaesthesia  displayed more frequent cognitive impairment during the immediate postoperative period in comparison to those who received a regional technique
Conclusion Geriatric syndromes are important prognostic factors for postoperative complications .
Background Elective surgeries can be associated with significant harm to older adults .
The present study aim ed to identify the prognostic factors associated with the development of postoperative complications among older adults undergoing elective surgery .