Cognitive dysfunction and postoperative delirium after spinal surgery
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and postoperative delirium are 2 major manifestations of perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction(PND).They are relatively common after spinal surgery and have a significant negative impact on the patient's postoperative recovery and quality of life.In addition to known risk factors such as age and educational level,intraoperative hypotension and hypothermia are also important triggers for the occurrence of PND.The underlying pathological mechanisms may involve an enhanced neuroinflammatory response and reduced neurotransmitter levels.Moreover,certain anesthetics,such as dexmedetomidine and esketamine,have been shown to potentially prevent PND by inhibiting the inflammatory process.