Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai 200127, China. Electronic address: [Email]
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and has become a major concern for patients and caregivers. POCD is most common in older patients. Previous studies demonstrated that the gut microbiome affects cognitive function and behaviour, and perioperative factors, including the operation itself, antibiotics, opioids or acid-inducing drugs, affect the gut microbiome. Thus, we hypothesised that intestinal dysbacteriosis caused by anaesthesia/surgery induces POCD.
