# Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristic Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine on Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients with Colorectal Tumors after Laparoscopic Operation

Authors: Miao Ding; Xianfei Xu; Lianfei Xia; Yunfei Cao
Journal: Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine
 (2022)

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## Abstract

In order to investigate the effects of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on postoperative anesthesia recovery time and consciousness function in elderly patients with laparoscopic colorectal tumors, 40 patients (20 in the control group and 20 in the DEX group) were selected. The DEX group was intravenously pumped at a rate of 0.8μg/kg/h for 10 min and then continuously pumped at a rate of 0.3 μg/kg/h until 40 min before the end of the operation. The two groups were given the same amount of normal saline, with the same way of anesthesia. The results showed that the visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain in the two groups decreased signally. Compared with the control group, the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2) in the DEX group were remarkably decreased at T1 and T2 stages, with a considerable difference (P<0.05). One month after the auxiliary diagnosis of colorectal tumor, no clear nodular, irregular shape patches, or patchy diffuse limited points were found, which indicated that the whole tumor had been removed. In summary, DEX could improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients who underwent the laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer, and its mechanism was related to the reduction of inflammatory factors. Therefore, the anesthesia intervention with DEX during the operation had a positive significance for tumor resection.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

With the pervasiveness of medical treatment, most open surgical operations are replaced by endoscopy, and laparoscopic operation is also applied for the treatment of colorectal tumors. With the help of laparoscopy, the colorectal tumor operation can reduce the trauma area and complications to a certain extent and improve the patient’s recovery and quality of life after the operation [1, 2]. However, during operation, patients are required to maintain artificial pneumoperitoneum and fixation of certain posture, which requires the stability of respiratory and circulatory systems. It is difficult for patients and has a prominent effect on the infusion of some viscera in the body [3]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to create images with excellent spatial resolution and tissue contrast. The use of straight colon intraluminal coil can clearly display the multilayer fine structure of the intestinal wall, and intraluminal MRI has great advantages in judging the depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. Evaluation of tumor function provides an opportunity to study tumor pathophysiology and heterogeneity and possibly predict clinical outcomes, especially in the setting of novel adjuvant therapies. High-resolution T2-weighted imaging is a key sequence in the evaluation of primary rectal cancer. Under T2-weighted imaging, the structure of the inner and outer layers of the colorectal can be clearly displayed, which provides an accurate basis for the staging of colorectal cancer [4, 5].Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is often shown with no abnormalities before the operation but with sudden brain mechanism obstruction and brain special function or temporary mechanism obstruction in consciousness, perception, and memory function after the operation. Some POCD patients have memory dysfunction or memory degradation [6]. POCD symptoms after operation anesthesia are common, especially in older patients. The incidence rate is between 1/10 and 6/10 according to the time point of onset, different operation categories, and age differences [7]. However, the cause of POCD is not clear at present. During the operation, the effects of anesthesia grade, anesthesia method, and corresponding anesthesia drugs on cognitive function are different, which are the key factors that affect POCD [8, 9].Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a new type of theα2 adrenergic direct excitatory agent, with good sedation, analgesic, and antianxiety functions, which can also inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system. In 1991, some scholars found and proposed that DEX had a protective effect on the brain [10]. According to many studies, DEX can reduce the generation of insanity and mental restlessness, and it also can maintain good mental orientation ability and discernment power when patients are completely calm. Besides, its adoption scope is also expanding [11]. With the increasing number of elderly patients, the risk of occurrence is relatively high, which will set a high standard for the way of intraoperative abdominal anesthesia and the risk generated after anesthesia. Hence, in this work, the effects of DEX on postoperative anesthesia recovery time and postoperative consciousness function of elderly patients with laparoscopic tumors were explored in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled manner. It was hoped to provide ideas for postoperative management and rapid recovery of elderly patients with general anesthesia.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Research Objects

Forty patients who underwent the laparoscopic tumor resection in hospital from December 2018 to December 2019 were selected, and they were randomly divided into the control group (n=20) and the DEX group (n=20). There were 22 male patients and 18 female patients. All the patients signed the informed consent. This study was approved by ethics committee of Beilun District People’s Hospital (Ningbo, China).The inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) patients whose ages ranged from 65 to 80 years old, (II) patients with a body mass index of 18-25 kg/m2, and (III) patients who were rated the grades I-III by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).The exclusion criteria were as follows: (I) Patients with the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and tranquilizers; (II) patients with mental diseases and neurological and muscular endocrine lesions; (III) patients with the preoperative mean heart rateHR<50BPM and with the myocardial conduction function and arrhythmia; (IV) patients with anaphylaxis to α2 adrenergic receptor agonists; (V) patients with difficulty in cognitive assessment (illiteracy or severe dysfunction of visual and auditory sense) and whose scores of the modified Hasegawa’s dementia scale (HDS-R) were less than 20 points.


### 2.2. Administration Methods

In the DEX group, DEX was intravenously pumped at a rate of 0.8μg/kg/h for 10 min after induction of intubation, and then, it was continuously pumped at a rate of 0.3 μg/kg/h until 40 min before the end of the operation. The control group and the DEX group were given the same amount of normal saline. No preoperative medication was used in all cases, and the anesthesia methods in the two groups were the same. After patients entered the operation room, they underwent routine measurements of invasive hypertension, electrocardiogram, pulse, and pulse oxygen saturation.


### 2.3. Observation Indexes

The mean arterial pressure (MAP), HR, and BIS values were recorded at the end of the operation (T0), at awakening (T1), at extubation (T2), and at 5 min after extubation (T3).The Ramsay sedation assessment: 1 point represented that patients were irritable, 2 points represented that the patient was calm and cooperative, 3 points represented that the patient was lethargic and responsive to commands, but the pronunciation was unclear, 4 points represented that the patient was in sleep state but could be aroused, 5 points represented that the patient responded to call torpidly, and 6 points represented that the patient was in deep sleep or anesthesia with no response to the call.Riker sedation-agitation score: 1 point meant that patients were unable to wake up and had no or only mild reaction to malignant language interference, but they could not communicate with others and follow simple instructions. Two points meant that patients were very calm, and although they had a strong reaction to physical disturbance, they could not communicate with other or follow simple instructions, and they had the free movement. Three points meant that patients were calm or lethargic, could wake up by the language interference, with mild vibration, and could follow simple commands, but quickly fell asleep. Four points meant that patients were calm and cooperative, their consciousness was easy to be awakened, and they could follow orders. Five points meant that patients were restless or agitated, but they could be calmed down after the persuasion of verbal hints. Six points meant that patients were agitated, who needed protective restraints and the continuous persuasion of verbal hints and bated the endotracheal catheter. Seven points meant that patients were dangerously agitated, who pulled on the endotracheal catheter, tried to pull out all the catheters, and tossed and turned on the bed.Comfort evaluation after the operation: 0 points indicated that patients had persistent severe pain, 1 point indicated that patients had no pain when they were still, but had severe pain when they deeply ventilated and coughed, 2 points indicated that patients were not experiencing pain when they were lying flat or being quiet, but had slight pain when they deeply breathed and coughed, 3 points indicated that patients had no pain when they deeply breathed, and 4 points indicated that patients had no pain when they turned over and had a dry cough.The visual analog scale (VAS) score: the scores ranged from 0 to 10 points. 0 points presented patients had no pain at all, and 10 points presented patients had the most severe pain.


### 2.4. Anesthesia Methods

Patients’ information was checked after they entered the room. Then, the electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), HR, and noninvasive measurement of blood pressure (NIBP) were detected. Traditional Chinese medicine or compound potassium bromide injection was injected after the peripheral veins in the upper body were opened. Under general anesthesia, the repeated puncture of the radial artery and indwelling gastric catheter and the repeated puncture of the internal neck vein were both performed by ultrasound induction.1.5-2 mg/kg propofol, 0.3 mg/kg cisatracurium besylate, and 0.5μg/kg sufentanil were dropped intravenously through the induction of anesthesia by systemic peritoneal injection. After endotracheal intubation, the anesthesia machine was used for mechanical ventilation. The initial respiratory rate was set at 12 times/min, the inspiratory/expiratory ratio was set at 1 : 2, the tidal volume was set at 8 ml/kg, and the inhaled oxygen concentration was 60%. The partial pressure of end-expiratory CO2 (PaCO2) was monitored. Anesthesia support: propofol and remifentanil were infused continuously into the intravenous system with the values of bispectral index (BIS) of 40-60. During the operation, cisatracurium besylate was given as required, and 10 μg sufentanil and 5 mg tropisetron were intravenously injected 30 min before the end of the operation. After the operation, the patient-controlled analgesia was performed with sufentanil of 2-6 μg/h. After the pneumoperitoneum was established, the patient was placed in the Trendelenburg position (head low, foot high, and lithotomy) at a 40-degree tilt.DEX and normal saline were stopped 40 min before the end of the operation in the two groups, and the intravenous medication was stopped after the skin suture. During the operation, patients’ blood pressure was maintained between 105-130 mmHg and 60-90 mmHg. When blood pressure was lower than 100/60 mmHg, the ephedrine 6 mg needed to be given immediately to avoid the adverse effects of hypotension on hemodynamics. The hypotension time of all patients was <5 min, and Figure1 shows the anesthesia process.Figure 1
The flowchart of operational anesthesia.


### 2.5. Neuropsychological Test

The diagnostic criteria of the cognitive function test and POCD were as follows. The most well-known measurement scales A and B were chosen for the neuropsychological tests in this experiment. The duration of the examination was 1 day before the operation, 1 day after the operation, and 5 days after the operation. Based on the preoperative test value of each case, the postoperative test value was compared with the preoperative test value. If the deviation value exceeded one standard deviation value, the function declined, which was judged as the postoperative function decline. POCD was considered to have been performed on the patient if two or more postoperative tests showed a simultaneous functional decline. The systematic scale of the neuropsychological test [12, 13] consisted of 6 scales.
(I)
The modified HDS-R included 11 test items with a total score of 32.5. ≥30 was classified as normal intelligence, 20-29.5 was classified as mild low intelligence, 10-19.5 was classified as moderately low intelligence; <10 was classified as severe mental retardation, and <15 could be diagnosed as dementia(II)
The digit span subtest (DSPT) was that patients responded to the set of numbers they had heard by way of forward and reverse. The score is based on accuracy(III)
The digit symbol test (DSYT) referred to a score that assessed how accurately patients matched numbers and symbols within 90 seconds(IV)
The trail-making test was testing the speed and memory of digital connections(V)
The word recall (WDR) test was that patients recalled and recounted the words that they had heard, and their accuracy was rated(VI)
Verbal fluency test (VBF) was that patients tried to name the vegetables they knew within 1 minute to test their language ability


### 2.6. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanning

On the day before surgery, 40 patients received the MRI scanning. Except for the patients who did not undergo MRI, the other patients were tested in the MRI laboratory. 3.0 T superconducting magnetic resonance whole-body scanner (gradient of 40 mT/m) with the input coil of the standard head was adopted. High-resolution T1-weighted images were the sagittal images of the whole brain. Scanning parameters included the fast gradient echo sequence, the inclination angle of 9°, the time of repeat (TR)/time of echoTE=1900/2.26ms, the time inverse TI=900ms, the matrix number=256×256, the thickness of each layer=1mm, clearance=0.5mm, voxel=1.0×1.0×temperature coefficient mm, the field of view FOV=256×256mm, and bandwidth=200Hz.


### 2.7. Statistical Methods

SPSS analysis was employed for the analysis of big data. The measured data were expressed asx±s, and they were the normal data. The total data between the two groups at multiple time points were analyzed, or single-factor repeated measurement variance data were analyzed. The group t-test was adopted for the comparison between the two groups at each time point. Counting data were compared by the χ2 or the rank-sum test. The difference was statistically significant with P<0.05.


## 2.1. Research Objects

Forty patients who underwent the laparoscopic tumor resection in hospital from December 2018 to December 2019 were selected, and they were randomly divided into the control group (n=20) and the DEX group (n=20). There were 22 male patients and 18 female patients. All the patients signed the informed consent. This study was approved by ethics committee of Beilun District People’s Hospital (Ningbo, China).The inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) patients whose ages ranged from 65 to 80 years old, (II) patients with a body mass index of 18-25 kg/m2, and (III) patients who were rated the grades I-III by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).The exclusion criteria were as follows: (I) Patients with the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and tranquilizers; (II) patients with mental diseases and neurological and muscular endocrine lesions; (III) patients with the preoperative mean heart rateHR<50BPM and with the myocardial conduction function and arrhythmia; (IV) patients with anaphylaxis to α2 adrenergic receptor agonists; (V) patients with difficulty in cognitive assessment (illiteracy or severe dysfunction of visual and auditory sense) and whose scores of the modified Hasegawa’s dementia scale (HDS-R) were less than 20 points.


## 2.2. Administration Methods

In the DEX group, DEX was intravenously pumped at a rate of 0.8μg/kg/h for 10 min after induction of intubation, and then, it was continuously pumped at a rate of 0.3 μg/kg/h until 40 min before the end of the operation. The control group and the DEX group were given the same amount of normal saline. No preoperative medication was used in all cases, and the anesthesia methods in the two groups were the same. After patients entered the operation room, they underwent routine measurements of invasive hypertension, electrocardiogram, pulse, and pulse oxygen saturation.


## 2.3. Observation Indexes

The mean arterial pressure (MAP), HR, and BIS values were recorded at the end of the operation (T0), at awakening (T1), at extubation (T2), and at 5 min after extubation (T3).The Ramsay sedation assessment: 1 point represented that patients were irritable, 2 points represented that the patient was calm and cooperative, 3 points represented that the patient was lethargic and responsive to commands, but the pronunciation was unclear, 4 points represented that the patient was in sleep state but could be aroused, 5 points represented that the patient responded to call torpidly, and 6 points represented that the patient was in deep sleep or anesthesia with no response to the call.Riker sedation-agitation score: 1 point meant that patients were unable to wake up and had no or only mild reaction to malignant language interference, but they could not communicate with others and follow simple instructions. Two points meant that patients were very calm, and although they had a strong reaction to physical disturbance, they could not communicate with other or follow simple instructions, and they had the free movement. Three points meant that patients were calm or lethargic, could wake up by the language interference, with mild vibration, and could follow simple commands, but quickly fell asleep. Four points meant that patients were calm and cooperative, their consciousness was easy to be awakened, and they could follow orders. Five points meant that patients were restless or agitated, but they could be calmed down after the persuasion of verbal hints. Six points meant that patients were agitated, who needed protective restraints and the continuous persuasion of verbal hints and bated the endotracheal catheter. Seven points meant that patients were dangerously agitated, who pulled on the endotracheal catheter, tried to pull out all the catheters, and tossed and turned on the bed.Comfort evaluation after the operation: 0 points indicated that patients had persistent severe pain, 1 point indicated that patients had no pain when they were still, but had severe pain when they deeply ventilated and coughed, 2 points indicated that patients were not experiencing pain when they were lying flat or being quiet, but had slight pain when they deeply breathed and coughed, 3 points indicated that patients had no pain when they deeply breathed, and 4 points indicated that patients had no pain when they turned over and had a dry cough.The visual analog scale (VAS) score: the scores ranged from 0 to 10 points. 0 points presented patients had no pain at all, and 10 points presented patients had the most severe pain.


## 2.4. Anesthesia Methods

Patients’ information was checked after they entered the room. Then, the electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), HR, and noninvasive measurement of blood pressure (NIBP) were detected. Traditional Chinese medicine or compound potassium bromide injection was injected after the peripheral veins in the upper body were opened. Under general anesthesia, the repeated puncture of the radial artery and indwelling gastric catheter and the repeated puncture of the internal neck vein were both performed by ultrasound induction.1.5-2 mg/kg propofol, 0.3 mg/kg cisatracurium besylate, and 0.5μg/kg sufentanil were dropped intravenously through the induction of anesthesia by systemic peritoneal injection. After endotracheal intubation, the anesthesia machine was used for mechanical ventilation. The initial respiratory rate was set at 12 times/min, the inspiratory/expiratory ratio was set at 1 : 2, the tidal volume was set at 8 ml/kg, and the inhaled oxygen concentration was 60%. The partial pressure of end-expiratory CO2 (PaCO2) was monitored. Anesthesia support: propofol and remifentanil were infused continuously into the intravenous system with the values of bispectral index (BIS) of 40-60. During the operation, cisatracurium besylate was given as required, and 10 μg sufentanil and 5 mg tropisetron were intravenously injected 30 min before the end of the operation. After the operation, the patient-controlled analgesia was performed with sufentanil of 2-6 μg/h. After the pneumoperitoneum was established, the patient was placed in the Trendelenburg position (head low, foot high, and lithotomy) at a 40-degree tilt.DEX and normal saline were stopped 40 min before the end of the operation in the two groups, and the intravenous medication was stopped after the skin suture. During the operation, patients’ blood pressure was maintained between 105-130 mmHg and 60-90 mmHg. When blood pressure was lower than 100/60 mmHg, the ephedrine 6 mg needed to be given immediately to avoid the adverse effects of hypotension on hemodynamics. The hypotension time of all patients was <5 min, and Figure1 shows the anesthesia process.Figure 1
The flowchart of operational anesthesia.


## 2.5. Neuropsychological Test

The diagnostic criteria of the cognitive function test and POCD were as follows. The most well-known measurement scales A and B were chosen for the neuropsychological tests in this experiment. The duration of the examination was 1 day before the operation, 1 day after the operation, and 5 days after the operation. Based on the preoperative test value of each case, the postoperative test value was compared with the preoperative test value. If the deviation value exceeded one standard deviation value, the function declined, which was judged as the postoperative function decline. POCD was considered to have been performed on the patient if two or more postoperative tests showed a simultaneous functional decline. The systematic scale of the neuropsychological test [12, 13] consisted of 6 scales.
(I)
The modified HDS-R included 11 test items with a total score of 32.5. ≥30 was classified as normal intelligence, 20-29.5 was classified as mild low intelligence, 10-19.5 was classified as moderately low intelligence; <10 was classified as severe mental retardation, and <15 could be diagnosed as dementia(II)
The digit span subtest (DSPT) was that patients responded to the set of numbers they had heard by way of forward and reverse. The score is based on accuracy(III)
The digit symbol test (DSYT) referred to a score that assessed how accurately patients matched numbers and symbols within 90 seconds(IV)
The trail-making test was testing the speed and memory of digital connections(V)
The word recall (WDR) test was that patients recalled and recounted the words that they had heard, and their accuracy was rated(VI)
Verbal fluency test (VBF) was that patients tried to name the vegetables they knew within 1 minute to test their language ability


## 2.6. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanning

On the day before surgery, 40 patients received the MRI scanning. Except for the patients who did not undergo MRI, the other patients were tested in the MRI laboratory. 3.0 T superconducting magnetic resonance whole-body scanner (gradient of 40 mT/m) with the input coil of the standard head was adopted. High-resolution T1-weighted images were the sagittal images of the whole brain. Scanning parameters included the fast gradient echo sequence, the inclination angle of 9°, the time of repeat (TR)/time of echoTE=1900/2.26ms, the time inverse TI=900ms, the matrix number=256×256, the thickness of each layer=1mm, clearance=0.5mm, voxel=1.0×1.0×temperature coefficient mm, the field of view FOV=256×256mm, and bandwidth=200Hz.


## 2.7. Statistical Methods

SPSS analysis was employed for the analysis of big data. The measured data were expressed asx±s, and they were the normal data. The total data between the two groups at multiple time points were analyzed, or single-factor repeated measurement variance data were analyzed. The group t-test was adopted for the comparison between the two groups at each time point. Counting data were compared by the χ2 or the rank-sum test. The difference was statistically significant with P<0.05.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Comparison of the General Data

There were no statistically considerable differences in age, body length, body weight, gender, and ASA grades between the two groups (P>0.05) (Figure 2). There were 22 males (12 in the control group and 10 in the DEX group) and 18 females (8 in the control group and 10 in the DEX group). In ASA classification, there were 17 cases in grade I (8 in the control group and 9 in the DEX group), 16 cases in grade II (9 in the control group and 7 in the DEX group), and 7 cases in grade III (3 in the control group and 4 in the DEX group).Figure 2
Comparison of general data.


### 3.2. Comparison of Operation Data

The differences in operation time, infusion volume, and urine volume between the two groups were not considerable (P>0.05) (Figure 3). In terms of infusion volume, the DEX group was more than the control group, and the difference was not statistically considerable. Overall, the data of the two groups were relatively close.Figure 3
Comparison of operation data between the two groups: (a) operation time; (b) infusion volume; (c) urine volume.
(a)(b)(c)


### 3.3. Comparison of VAS Scores

There were statistically insignificant differences in VAS scores at T1 and T2 between the two groups (P>0.05) (Figure 4). The VAS score decreased obviously at T2, and the difference between T2 and T1 was statistically considerable (P<0.05).Figure 4
Comparison of VAS scores between the two groups at T1 and T2.∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.


### 3.4. Laboratory Indexes of Patients at Each Time Point

There was no statistically considerable difference between the inflammatory factors detected at T0 and the data of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2) in the two groups (P<0.05). Compared with the data at T0, the data of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 in the two groups were markedly increased at T1 and T2, with certain statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the data of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 in the DEX group were evidently decreased at T1 and T2, with a statistical significance (P<0.05) (Figure 5).Figure 5
Comparison of the values of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 between the two groups at different time points: (a) TNF-α; (b) IL-1β; (c) IL-6; (d) MIP-2. ∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 3.5. Cognitive Function Scores of Patients at Each Time Point

The score of the HDS-R scale at T0 was relatively high in the two groups, with statistically insignificant differences (P>0.05). Compared with the scores at T0 time, the HDS-R scores of patients in both groups at T1 and T2 decreased, and the difference was statistically considerable (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the HDS-R score of the DEX group was improved at T1 and T2, with a considerable difference (P<0.05) (Figure 6).Figure 6
Comparison of the HDS-R score between two groups at different time points.∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.


### 3.6. Comparison of the Incidence of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction at T2

Postoperative consciousness dysfunction was found in both groups on the third day after the operation. The DEX group (1 case, 5%) was manifestly lower than the control group (5 cases, 25%), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).


### 3.7. Hemodynamics of Patients at Each Time Point

There was no statistical significance in the difference of systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and HR between the two groups at T0 (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the calculation of systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and HR in the DEX group was absolutely decreased at T1 and T2, and the difference was statistically considerable (P<0.05) (Figure 7).Figure 7
Comparison of hemodynamics between the two groups: (a) systolic pressure; (b) diastolic pressure; (c) HR.∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)


### 3.8. Analysis of the MRI Images of Patients

Before the operation, the 3 mm thin axial nonfat suppression T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was performed, and the MRI images showed good spatial clarity and soft tissue clarity. The rectum mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis propria were clearly defined as well as the anterior peritoneal receding line and the circumferential resection margin (mesenteric fascia). One month after adjuvant diagnosis, the biaxial T2WI MRI showed that the edema thickening of the rectum intestinal wall was obvious, but the presence of the malignant tumor could not be identified. The diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI images showed that the three layers of rectal wall (mucous layer, lower mucous layer, and fixed muscle layer) had clear tissue structure, but no clear nodular, irregular patches, or patchy diffuse limited points were observed, which indicated that the tumor had been removed. Figure8 shows the axial T2WI MRI images one month after the auxiliary diagnosis of rectal cancer.Figure 8
Comparison of MRI images before and after the operation. (a) MRI images of one patient in the DEX group before treatment. (b) The images after treatment.
(a)(b)


## 3.1. Comparison of the General Data

There were no statistically considerable differences in age, body length, body weight, gender, and ASA grades between the two groups (P>0.05) (Figure 2). There were 22 males (12 in the control group and 10 in the DEX group) and 18 females (8 in the control group and 10 in the DEX group). In ASA classification, there were 17 cases in grade I (8 in the control group and 9 in the DEX group), 16 cases in grade II (9 in the control group and 7 in the DEX group), and 7 cases in grade III (3 in the control group and 4 in the DEX group).Figure 2
Comparison of general data.


## 3.2. Comparison of Operation Data

The differences in operation time, infusion volume, and urine volume between the two groups were not considerable (P>0.05) (Figure 3). In terms of infusion volume, the DEX group was more than the control group, and the difference was not statistically considerable. Overall, the data of the two groups were relatively close.Figure 3
Comparison of operation data between the two groups: (a) operation time; (b) infusion volume; (c) urine volume.
(a)(b)(c)


## 3.3. Comparison of VAS Scores

There were statistically insignificant differences in VAS scores at T1 and T2 between the two groups (P>0.05) (Figure 4). The VAS score decreased obviously at T2, and the difference between T2 and T1 was statistically considerable (P<0.05).Figure 4
Comparison of VAS scores between the two groups at T1 and T2.∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.


## 3.4. Laboratory Indexes of Patients at Each Time Point

There was no statistically considerable difference between the inflammatory factors detected at T0 and the data of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2) in the two groups (P<0.05). Compared with the data at T0, the data of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 in the two groups were markedly increased at T1 and T2, with certain statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the data of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 in the DEX group were evidently decreased at T1 and T2, with a statistical significance (P<0.05) (Figure 5).Figure 5
Comparison of the values of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 between the two groups at different time points: (a) TNF-α; (b) IL-1β; (c) IL-6; (d) MIP-2. ∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 3.5. Cognitive Function Scores of Patients at Each Time Point

The score of the HDS-R scale at T0 was relatively high in the two groups, with statistically insignificant differences (P>0.05). Compared with the scores at T0 time, the HDS-R scores of patients in both groups at T1 and T2 decreased, and the difference was statistically considerable (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the HDS-R score of the DEX group was improved at T1 and T2, with a considerable difference (P<0.05) (Figure 6).Figure 6
Comparison of the HDS-R score between two groups at different time points.∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.


## 3.6. Comparison of the Incidence of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction at T2

Postoperative consciousness dysfunction was found in both groups on the third day after the operation. The DEX group (1 case, 5%) was manifestly lower than the control group (5 cases, 25%), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).


## 3.7. Hemodynamics of Patients at Each Time Point

There was no statistical significance in the difference of systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and HR between the two groups at T0 (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the calculation of systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and HR in the DEX group was absolutely decreased at T1 and T2, and the difference was statistically considerable (P<0.05) (Figure 7).Figure 7
Comparison of hemodynamics between the two groups: (a) systolic pressure; (b) diastolic pressure; (c) HR.∗Compared with the control group, P<0.05.
(a)(b)(c)


## 3.8. Analysis of the MRI Images of Patients

Before the operation, the 3 mm thin axial nonfat suppression T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was performed, and the MRI images showed good spatial clarity and soft tissue clarity. The rectum mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis propria were clearly defined as well as the anterior peritoneal receding line and the circumferential resection margin (mesenteric fascia). One month after adjuvant diagnosis, the biaxial T2WI MRI showed that the edema thickening of the rectum intestinal wall was obvious, but the presence of the malignant tumor could not be identified. The diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI images showed that the three layers of rectal wall (mucous layer, lower mucous layer, and fixed muscle layer) had clear tissue structure, but no clear nodular, irregular patches, or patchy diffuse limited points were observed, which indicated that the tumor had been removed. Figure8 shows the axial T2WI MRI images one month after the auxiliary diagnosis of rectal cancer.Figure 8
Comparison of MRI images before and after the operation. (a) MRI images of one patient in the DEX group before treatment. (b) The images after treatment.
(a)(b)


## 4. Discussion

Postoperative consciousness dysfunction is a mild neurocognitive dysfunction that mainly occurs after anesthesia, with nerve injury as the main characteristic, and patients’ memory ability, concentration ability, and information processing ability are severely impaired compared with the preoperative conditions. It was possibly related to the postoperative environment, anesthesia, age, preoperative cognitive function, and postoperative time [14, 15]. Due to such factors as the severe decline in cognitive reserve of the elderly, POCD mainly occurs in elderly patients after the operation. Meanwhile, with the improvement of medical technology and society and the aging of the population, more and more old people would like to eliminate pain by operation. Consequently, POCD can seriously affect the life quality of elderly patients and produce some social problems [16].The mechanism of POCD mainly includes inflammatory factors, clathrin injury, synaptic conduction dysfunction, Aβ deposition and excessive phosphorylation of Tau protein, oxidative stress, and nerve cell apoptosis [17]. The peroxidation stress response caused by inflammatory cytokines changes the internal structure and appearance of nerve cells, which leads to cell necrosis and apoptosis. Therefore, inflammatory cytokines are the key factors of POCD [18]. Postoperative trauma produces a large number of inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic factors, generally including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and MIP-2. These factors can directly stimulate the bacterial transport system or indirectly stimulate the vagal nervous system to destroy the blood-brain barrier, thus inducing the migration of macrophages to the brain and further increasing the damage to neurons and synapses that results in postoperative cognitive dysfunction [19–21].According to the observation in this experiment, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 had representative significance and were inextricably linked with the production process of POCD. TNF-α was the primary and most vital factor in the formation of adhesion factors. It could trigger chemokines by activating neutrophils and lymphocyte bacteria, thereby enhancing the expression of adhesion factors. It led to the release of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and other inflammatory factors and promoted neutrophils and macrophages to enter the brain parenchyma that destroyed neurons, which leads to the apoptosis of their lymphocyte bacteria and degenerative changes, thus causing the reduction of learning and memory ability in humans and animals. Chen et al. [22] found that TNF-α control agents (3,6 dithiocaracetamide) could remarkably alter hippocampal-dependent cognitive function, which demonstrated that TNF-α was a major mediator of neuronal function and conscious dysfunction. IL-1 played an important role in POCD. The hippocampus was mainly responsible for long-term memory storage and orientation, and it bound to the receptor with IL-1β. IL-1 β helped control the BDNF-CREB pathway by using the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, thus downregulating the response to long-term potentiation (LTP) of the hippocampus. As a major chemokine, MIP-2 could be induced to form by TNF and IL-1. Its main function was inducing the movement of neutrophils. Consequently, the regulation of MIP-2 formation was possibly a crucial link in the prevention of POCD [23, 24].In this work, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were interfered with DEX to observe the changes in the levels of inflammatory cytokines after the use of DEX, and the effect of DEX on the postoperative sensory function of elderly patients was explored. The results showed that compared with the control group, the number of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 in the DEX group was decreased at T1 and T2, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The results indicated that DEX could obviously reduce the content of inflammatory factors. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was found in both groups at time T2. In the DEX group, there was 1 case (5%), which was markedly lower in contrast to the control group (5 cases, 25%), and the difference was statistically considerable (P<0.05). The mechanism of DEX to reduce inflammatory cytokines and improve postoperative sensory function was possibly related to the following points. (I) It activated the cholinergic tolerance pathway and entered the α2 pharmacological dosage receptor in the excitation center, thus preventing parasympathetic excitation. Meanwhile, it activated the cholinergic tolerance pathway and released nicotinic acetylcholine receptors such as the cholinergic transmitter α-7, thereby limiting the formation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. (II) It could avoid the formation of proinflammatory factors and limit the formation of IL-6 and other inflammatory cytokines by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane, thus reducing the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients. It could also reduce the peroxidation stress response and improve the perception of anesthesia after operation. (III) By regulating active microglia and astrocytes, the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were directly inhibited, thus reducing the incidence of POCD. (IV) Through the regulation of NF-κB, it could inhibit the formation of bacterial factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Bekker and Sturaitis [25] concluded that DEX infusion during the perioperative period signally reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and other inflammatory factors in patients. Furthermore, the results of Deng et al. [26] showed that DEX could observably reduce the incidence of POCD and the levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which were consistent with the results of this study.


## 5. Conclusion

DEX can improve the level of postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery, and its mechanism is related to the decrease of inflammatory factor TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 levels. Anesthesia intervention with DEX during operation has positive significance for tumor resection. Future studies are expected to include more cases in order to help the elderly recover from cognitive impairment after surgery.



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*Source: 1345695-2022-06-28.xml*