Postoperative delirium in elderly patients after regional anaesthesia

The latter is defined as a confusional state with acute onset and fluctuating course. It is characterised by inattention, disorganised thinking, hallucinations and alteration in consciousness. The hyperactive form (agitation) is more often in the middle age group whereas the hypoactive, lethargic form is predominately seen in the elderly. Delirium or acute confusional state is increasingly recognised as a major event occurring postoperatively in the elderly. Mis-diagnosed or unrecognised it may jeopardize postoperative care and hide serious complications with potentially devastating consequences (2).