title: Postoperative complications: delirium.
abstract: Delirium is a common feature of the postoperative period, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and significant costs. Multiple factors predispose a patient to delirium in its hypoactive, hyperactive, or mixed forms. Tools have been validated for its quick and accurate identification to ensure timely and effective multidisciplinary intervention and treatment. A significant percentage of patients may require placement in skilled nursing facilities or similar care environments because of the long-lasting effects. The physician must be vigilant in the search for and identification of all forms of delirium and must effectively treat the underlying medical condition and symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. steve.allen@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Heidi L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Frankel
mesh_terms: D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*