Acute confusional states and dementia's: Peri-operative considerations

Peri-operative confusion may be due to delirium. Whilst delirium is not entirely avoidable its early identification and management reduces both morbidity and mortality. Many of the protocols for management of delirium include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological input. Patients with altered consciousness may have delirium, dementia or psychosis and this differential diagnosis often has to be considered in the early postoperative period.