Role of anesthesia type on cognitive functions in adults undergoing cataract surgery

Abstract

Aim: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a major concern for anesthesiologists and surgeons. However, the relationship between anesthesia type and postoperative cognitive functions has not been clearly identified. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of three anesthetic methods, local, topical, and general anesthesia, on the development of POCD in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods: Patients aged between 19-64 years who underwent cataract surgery were enrolled in this prospective observational study. All patients were assigned to one of three anesthesia groups: General (n=27), local (n=23), and topical (n=27). Cognitive status was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively (1st hour, 1st day, 1st week), using Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration (BOMC) test. Results: Except age, the three anesthesia groups were similar in baseline patient characteristics and hemodynamic data (P>0.05). Age was significantly different between the groups: Patients in general anesthesia group were the youngest and those in local anesthesia group were the oldest (P<0.001). All postanesthetic BOMC scores in local and topical groups decreased compared to baseline values (P>0.05). However, the 1st hour BOMC score showed an insignificant increase in the general anesthesia group (P=0.554). Baseline mean BOMC score was higher in local anesthesia group than in other groups (P=0.037), whereas postoperative BOMC scores were similar between the three groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Local, topical, and general anesthesia had no different effects on postoperative cognitive functions in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery. There was also no statistical difference in postoperative BOMC scores between the three anesthesia methods.