POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY WITH GENERAL ANESTHESIA AT THE CENTRAL OPERATING THEATRE OF PROF. DR. I.G.N.G. NGOERAH GENERAL HOSPITAL, DENPASAR

Abstrak

Introduction: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in geriatric patients following surgery under general anesthesia and may negatively affect quality of life and functional independence. This study aimed to describe the cognitive function of geriatric patients 24 hours after undergoing surgery with general anesthesia at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar. Methods: This study was a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design. Geriatric patients aged ≥60 years who underwent surgery under general anesthesia between March and October 2025 were included using consecutive sampling. Cognitive function was assessed 24 hours postoperatively using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were analyzed descriptively and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: A total of 88 patients were included, with the majority being female (51.1%) and aged 60–69 years (55.7%). Based on MMSE scores, 67 patients (76.1%) had normal cognitive function, 16 patients (18.2%) had probable cognitive impairment, and 5 patients (5.7%) had definite cognitive impairment. Normal cognitive function was more frequently observed in patients with higher educational levels and higher occupational complexity. A greater proportion of definite cognitive impairment was found in patients with anesthesia duration longer than four hours.

Conclusion: Most geriatric patients maintained normal cognitive function 24 hours after surgery with general anesthesia; however, nearly one-quarter experienced postoperative cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the importance of early cognitive assessment and monitoring in geriatric surgical patients.