A COMPARISON OF MENTAL FUNCTION IN RELATION TO HYPOTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE ANAESTHESIA IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

This study indicated that in elderly patients undergoing retropubic prostatectomy there was no difference in the change in mental function, as measured by psychometric tests, between a group who were given a spinal anaesthetic with a vasopressor to correct the fall in blood pressure and a group that were given a spinal anaesthetic without the vasopressor. Five days after operation mental function was certainly reduced as compared to two days before operation. Six weeks after surgery the mental function, as measured by the tests, was raised above pre-operative level. The effect of the familiarity of the tests may have been a contributing factor. Both groups showed nearly identical falls and rises on the occasions of retesting and it was concluded that both groups of patients were equally at risk.