Melatonin for Post Operative Delirium Prevention in Elderly Patients

The Impact of Melatonin on the Postoperative Delirium in Geriatric Patients After Colorectal Surgeries. A Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial

The present study will evaluate the role of melatonin prophylaxis in delirium prevention in elderly patients undergoing colorectal procedures.

This study is a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Patients who meet the criteria for inclusion/exclusion will be evaluated. Melatonin tablets will be administered as a premedication to patients in the melatonin group. Patients in the control group will be given placebo tablets as a premedication. Fentanyl 1ug/kg and propofol 1-2 mg/kg will be used to induce anaesthesia. Atracurium 0.5 mg/kg will be used for the facilitation of endotracheal intubation. Isoflurane will be used to maintain anaesthesia and the depth of anaesthesia will be adjusted by a Bispectral index monitor. Postoperatively, the patients will be monitored for the development of delirium.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I to III physical status
• Elective colorectal procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to the research drugs,
• Patients who have vision or hearing impairment
• History of cerebral disorders
• Uncorrected acid-base, fluid, and electrolyte abnormalities
• History of central nervous system function affecting drugs.
• Chronic sedative-hypnotic administration at least one month prior to surgery
• Alcohol abuse
• Patients with recorded preoperative nursing delirium screening score ≥ 2.