A study to observe influence of general anesthesia on cognitive functions in patients of abdominal surgery

Abstract

Background: As anesthesia is used routine basis on every surgery, it is required to assess the side effects of the anesthesia. Recent research has focused on the cognitive dysfunctions followed by general anesthesia. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe the influence of general anesthesia on cognitive functions in patients of abdominal surgery. Methods: The present study involved 40 patients of gastro intestinal surgery, within the age group of 20 to 60 years of age. Both the genders (males =15), Females =25) were included in the study Spatial and verbal memory was assessed using standard methods. Results: Majority of the patients belongs to age group of 41-50 years. Same was observed in case of male population. But more females belong to age group of 30-40 years (52%). There was significant decline in the spatial and verbal memory scores followed by the administration of anesthesia. The two-tailed P value is less than 0.0001 for verbal memory. By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be extremely statistically significant. The mean of Group One minus Group Two equals 3.00. 95% confidence interval of this difference: From 2.30 to 3.70. The two-tailed P value is less than 0.0001 for spatial memory. By conventional criteria, this difference is considered to be extremely statistically significant. The mean of Group One minus Group Two equals 3.00. 95% confidence interval of this difference: From 2.55 to 3.45. Conclusion: There was significant decline in the cognition scores followed by administration of anesthesia. There is a need to study more in this area to understand the relationship between the two variables and also plan the proper management strategies.