title: Postoperative cognitive function following general versus regional anesthesia: a systematic review.
abstract: The effect of anesthetic technique on postoperative outcomes remains in question. This systematic review compares the role of regional versus general anesthesia, with a particular focus on postoperative cognitive function. Potentially relevant articles were identified by searching publicly available computerized databases for this systematic review. Any surgical procedure was accepted with the exception of cardiac, carotid, and neurosurgical procedures. Any regional anesthetic technique was accepted unless combined with a general anesthetic or in conjunction with propofol as a sedative. Any measure of postoperative cognitive function was accepted as long as it was performed no sooner than 7 days postoperatively. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Three studies showed some difference in cognitive function between regional and general anesthesia, whereas the remaining 13 showed no difference between regional and general anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Anesthesiology †Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health ‡Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Albert Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monteleone
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Falzon
authors.forename: Nighat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ispahany
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lei
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*