Cognitive Changes after Surgery in the Elderly: Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Influence the Incidence of Postoperative Cognitive Changes Compared to Open Colon Surgery?

Abstract

In this pilot study, the average incidence of POCD was not statistically different between elderly subjects undergoing open versus laparoscopic surgery. Age did not influence the occurrence of POCD. Although inflammatory markers were significantly higher in the open group, consistent with a higher degree of stress response, this group did not have higher rates of delirium. This association is worth to be investigated in a larger sample.