ISSN: 2577-4301
Authors: Verónica RA*, Adolfo PC, Tania SR, Cristian HAI and Horacio OM
Delirium is an alteration of attention or consciousness accompanied by a change in basic cognition, which manifests as a decreased ability to direct, focus, maintain and shift attention. In the postoperative period it can be a factor that reduces the quality of life and perioperative outcome in cancer patients. It has been associated with increased in-hospital stay and morbidity and mortality. The following is the case of a 61-year-old patient who underwent an exploratory laparotomy and presented with hypoactive delirium with transition to hyperactive delirium in the first postoperative hours. Postoperative delirium occurs in 10-60% of patients, and its incidence is higher in older patients. It may present as a hyperactive, hypoactive state or with a mixed component, a key feature of this etiology being its fluctuating behavior between these states. Primary prevention of postoperative delirium requires a multimodal approach, the first-line measures being non-pharmacological interventions.
Keywords: Postoperative Delirium; Oncology Patients; Delirium; Elderly Patients; Prevention of Postoperative Delirium
