Diagnosis, Incidence and Consequences of PACU-Delirium

Diagnosis, Incidence and Consequences of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients in the Post-anaesthetic Care Unit

This study aims to

1. determine sensitivity and specificity of the Confusion Assessment Method for Postanesthesia Care Unit (CAM-PACU)
2. examine the effect of postanesthesia care unit delirium (PACU delirium) on the emergence of later onset postoperative delirium (POD) as well as cognitive recovery until one month postoperatively

Inclusion Criteria:

• planned surgery in the near future
• surgery time at least 60min

Exclusion Criteria:

• intracranial surgery
• expected postoperative transfer to ICU and stay exceeding 24h
• length of postoperative stay in hospital below 24h
• insufficient German language skills
• current alcohol or drug misuse
• manifest mental illness