Incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general or spinal anaesthesia for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Abstract

Background Since general anaesthesia invariably accompanies surgery, the contribution of each to the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has been difficult to identify. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was undertaken in elderly patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Between 2005 and 2011, 2706 individuals were screened to recruit 100 eligible patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive general or spinal anaesthesia alone. A battery of eight neuropsychological tests was administered before operation and at 7 days and 3 months after operation. The reliable change index was used to calculate the incidence of POCD. Intent..