The Importance of Non-Invasive Regional Brain Oximetry in Preventing Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Elderly and Senile Patients

Abstract

The adverse effect of general anesthesia in elderly patients during surgery requires monitoring of functions and processes to identify their dangerous abnormalities to prevent complications. The aim of the study. To establish the effectiveness of non-invasive regional brain oximetry with rSO2 determination during anesthetic support in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCE) to prevent postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly and senile patients. Material and methods. 84 elderly and senile patients with diagnosed gallstone disease, acute cholecystitis, who underwent LCE with sevofluran inhalational anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia with propofol were examined. rSO2 was monitored. Cognitive functions were assessed using neuropsychological scales and the MMSE mental state examination scale. Results. rSO2 was found to be significantly decreased during the carbon dioxide insufflation as compared to before premedication: in LH (left hemisphere) – by 7.0 %, in RH (right hemisphere) – by 6.9 % (Group I); in LH – by 7.4 %, in RH – by 7.5 % (Group II). rSO2 was significantly increased during the surgery, particularly in the middle of the operation, as compared to before premedication: in LH – by 14.66 %, in RH – by 13.94 % (Group I); in LH – by 11.60 %, in RH – by 11.53 % (Group II). The day following the surgery, cognitive functions significantly decreased by 8.7 % on the Luria's test, by 6.0 % on the MMSE test (Group I); in Group II – by 10.1 % and 6.3 %, respectively, as compared to before premedication. On Day 5 after the surgery, cognitive functions decreased by 2.7 % on the Luria's test, by 0.35 % on the MMSE test (Group I); in Group II – by 2.7 % and 0.35 %, respectively, as compared to before premedication. Conclusions. A decrease in rSO2 can occur during LCE in the Trendelenburg position, despite the fact that other intraoperative indicators remain stable, which allows it to remain unrecognized. rSO2 monitoring in the perioperative period contributes to alertness and timely measures to prevent postoperative cognitive dysfunction.