[Long-term consequences of postoperative delirium]

Anaesthesist. 2011 Aug;60(8):735-9. doi: 10.1007/s00101-011-1901-4. Epub 2011 Jun 8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A patient reported anxiety and sleeping problems 9 months after reconstruction of the anterior floor of the mouth following tumor surgery. These symptoms had been initiated by a postoperative delirium with hallucinations, which had not been detected during its occurrence. One session of psychotherapy 9 months later reduced the symptoms. Patients in intensive care units should be asked and informed about delirium symptoms. This might prevent long-term psychological distress.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Delirium / complications*
  • Delirium / etiology*
  • Delirium / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / etiology
  • Hallucinations / therapy
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / psychology*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome