Zaburzenia funkcji poznawczych po operacjach chirurgicznych

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a frequentand clinically important consequence of surgicalprocedures. Mostly, it concerns memory and executivefunctions. POCD prevails in patients undergoing cardiacsurgery, where it is also a risk factor for the occurrenceof other complications. The aetiology of POCD iscomplicated and multi-factorial. Thus far, there is noevidence for a relationship between POCD and differentsurgical and anaesthetic techniques. However, sucha correlation may exist in elderly patients. Risk factorsof POCD include the clinical aspects of the underlyingdisease, age, early cognitive decline and alcohol abuse.It is important to further study the aetiopathology,methods of early detection and prevention of POCD.It may enable the implementation of therapeuticstrategies that will improve patients’ cognitivefunctioning and therefore their quality of life.