BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Postoperative delirium is a common complication in the elderly whose pathophysiology is not well known. It seems to be related to central cholinergic activity. A literature review was undertaken to describe the etiology, diagnosis, prophylactic strategies, and treatment of postoperative delirium.

CONTENTS

Probable etiologies, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of postoperative delirium in the elderly were described.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of postoperative delirium is higher in the elderly, and prophylactic measures should be taken to reduce the mortality associated with this complication.