For most patients, this forgetfulness and confusion clears up in the first few hours after surgery.
For others, it may last a day.
For some, confusion increases in the days following the procedure.
andresr / Getty Images
Common Causes
Infection:Aninfection,especially in older patients, can cause significant confusion and disorientation.
In rare cases, new medications may have an unintended and unexpected side effect of agitation or sleeplessness.
Some patients can get their days and nights confused, or lose track of time entirely.
Treatment is provided based on the cause of the issue.
Anemia:Red blood cells carry oxygen to the cells of the body.
Hypoxia can cause significant confusion as the brain needs oxygen to work properly.
Withdrawal:A common cause of confusion is withdrawal.
Hypotension: Low blood pressure can occur after surgery due to a variety of factors.
Evered LA, Silbert BS.Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and noncardiac surgery.Anesth Analg.
2017;72(Suppl 1):ii1-ii90.
doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209729
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Delirium.
Pappa M, Theodosiadis N, Tsounis A, Sarafis P.Pathogenesis and treatment of post-operative cognitive dysfunction.Electron Physician.
2017;9(2):3768-3775. doi:10.19082/3768
Hayhurst CJ, Pandharipande PP, Hughes CG.Intensive care unit delirium.Anesthesiology.
2022;2(1):17. doi:10.1186/s44158-022-00045-8
Ko SB.Perioperative stroke: pathophysiology and management.Korean J Anesthesiol.
2018;71(1):3-11. doi:10.4097/kjae.2018.71.1.3
