Postoperative cognitive function following general versus regional anesthesia: a systematic review.

The effect of anesthetic technique on post-operative outcomes remains in question. This systematic review compares the role of regional versus general anesthesia, with a particular focus on post-operative cognitive function. Potentially relevant articles were identified by searching publicly available computerized databases for this systematic review. Any surgical procedure was accepted with the exception of cardiac, carotid, and neurosurgical procedures. Any regional anesthetic technique was accepted unless combined with a general anesthetic or in conjunction with propofol as a sedative. Any measure of post-operative cognitive function was accepted as long as it was performed no sooner than seven days post-operatively. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Three studies showed some difference in cognitive function between regional and general anesthesia, while the remaining thirteen showed no difference between regional and general anesthesia on postoperative cognitive function.