POCD After Major Gynecologic Surgery

Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After Major Gynecological Surgery: Incidence and Perioperative Risk Factors in a Prospective Cohort Study

This prospective observational cohort study aims to determine the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients undergoing major gynecological surgery. Cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) preoperatively and on postoperative day 3. POCD will be defined as a ≥20% relative decline or ≥2-point decrease in MoCA score. The study will also evaluate the association between POCD and perioperative clinical, surgical, and inflammatory parameters.

This prospective observational cohort study aims to investigate the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and associated perioperative risk factors in adult patients undergoing major gynecological surgery under general anesthesia. Eligible patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy and/or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy through open or laparoscopic approaches will be included. Cognitive function will be evaluated using the Turkish version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before surgery and again on postoperative day 3 (±1 day). POCD will be defined as either a relative decline of ≥20% from baseline MoCA score or an absolute decrease of ≥2 points. Demographic characteristics, frailty status, menopausal status, hematologic-inflammatory markers including hemoglobin, RDW, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, as well as intraoperative hemodynamic and surgical variables, will be recorded. The associations between these perioperative factors and POCD development will be analyzed. The findings may help identify high-risk patients preoperatively and contribute to individualized perioperative neuroprotective strategies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients aged ≥18 years
• Scheduled for elective major gynecological surgery under general anesthesia
• Total abdominal hysterectomy and/or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
• Open or laparoscopic surgical approach
• Ability to complete the Turkish version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• Ability to understand and provide written informed consen

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-existing dementia or major neurocognitive disorder
• History of cerebrovascular event within the previous 3 months
• Severe visual or hearing impairment preventing cognitive assessment
• Emergency or hemodynamically unstable surgery
• Planned postoperative sedation or mechanical ventilation longer than 72 hours
• Postoperative delirium detected during assessment
• Inability to communicate or cooperate
• Refusal to participate