Emergence Delirium: Revisiting a Clinical Enigma

Abstract

Delirium seems to result from the interaction between pre-operative patient vulnerabilities and exposure to precipitating factors. Postoperative delirium (POD) is often observed in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, particularly hip fracture repair and may persist for several days postoperatively. Emergence delirium (ED) is known as an acute agitation and confusion occurring during or immediately following emergence from general anesthesia, in the OR orpost anesthesia care unit. Stress and inflammation are important triggers in the development of delirium.