Postoperative confusion in recovery room – a practical approach

Abstract

Postoperative confusion remains one of the most distressing complications after an anaesthetic. It is distressing to the health care professional, to the family and to the recovery room staff. Delirium has implications on finances, mortality and long-term outcomes. The complications can be minor but there can also be physical harm to the patient, dislodgement of catheters and disruption of the surgical procedure. Although it is more common in the elderly (> 70 years) and the young (≤ 5years) this complications can happen at any age group. Some studies have been done to look at predictors of delirium/confusion in recovery room and this might help in taking preventative measures for the at risk patient. Postoperative confusion may be equated with emergence delirium as they have a lot of features in common but hopefully of short duration.