Dexmedetomidine and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD)

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) affects all age groups and can lead to increased morbidity and more extended hospital stays. Dexmedetomidine reduces POCD by inhibiting the increase in proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and its anti-inflammatory activity contributes to its protective effect. Previous studies found that dexmedetomidine reduced POCD incidence in non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Therefore, the goal of this study was to specifically investigate if using TCI dexmedetomidine to maintain anaesthesia in laparotomy surgeries reduces the incidence of POCD compared to inhalation anaesthesia by sevoflurane.