Changes in cognition following cardiac surgery

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Abstract
Initially, the purpose of early research into cardiac surgery was to ascertain whether a neuropsychological problem existed after cardiac surgery. This work established that a significant proportion of patients undergoing cardiac surgery exhibit postoperative neuropsychological deficits, which may persist in a number of patients.2 The reported incidence, however, varies widely and this inconsistency has been attributed to a number of factors: the number, type, sensitivity, and timing of neuropsychological tests employed.3 Most studies assess patients before and at some time after surgery. Assessments in the few days after surgery appear to be contaminated by postoperative discomfort and anaesthetic residue. As a result they tend to yield a higher incidence of deficits. Later assessments, at about eight weeks after surgery, appear to be more stable and are considered to reflect an enduring neuropsychological problem.