Intraoperative oxygen concentration and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral hypoxia and hypoperfusion are key pathophysiological contributors to postoperative delirium (POD). This study evaluated the impact of 40% versus 100% inspired oxygen (FiO₂) on POD incidence, neuroinflammation, and clinical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

In this trial, 160 elderly patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia from 2022 to September 2023 were randomly assigned to receive 40% FiO₂ (n = 80) or 100% FiO₂ (n = 80). The primary outcome was POD incidence within 3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included perioperative oxygenation parameters, plasma neuroinflammatory markers, pulmonary infections, pain scores, and hospitalization duration. Blood samples were collected preoperatively and postoperatively for biomarker analysis.

RESULTS

Among 154 analyzed patients, POD incidence was 5.2% (8/154), with no significant difference between 40% FiO₂ (6.4%, 5/78) and 100% FiO₂ (3.9%, 3/76) groups (P = 0.72). The 40% FiO₂ group exhibited lower saturation of pulse oxygen, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, and arterial partial pressure of oxygen from 1 h post-anesthesia (T2) to anesthesia end (T5) (P < 0.05). No intergroup differences in interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, neuron-specific enolase, or neurofilament light chain levels were observed postoperatively (P > 0.05). FiO₂ levels did not influence pulmonary infection rates, postoperative VAS scores, or hospital stay (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

While 100% FiO₂ enhances cerebral oxygenation, it does not reduce POD incidence or neuroinflammatory markers compared to 40% FiO₂. High-concentration oxygen did not increase pulmonary complications but offered no clinical benefits in this cohort. Intraoperative FiO₂ should be titrated based on individualized patient needs.