Troubles cognitifs postopératoires tardifs

Long-term postoperative cognitive dysfunctions, resulting in prolonged alterations in mental processing, occur after a delay of 7 days. The incidence is higher than 10% in patients older than 70 years. Their occurrence is unrelated to anaesthetic technique. Cognitive dysfunction may be the consequence of a multifactorial impairment in brain reserve capacity. Partial or complete recovery is likely to occur over time as suggested by the decrease in the incidence of related symptoms. A global strategy of vulnerable patients' management should be planned preoperatively.