Annals of surgery
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Editorial Comment
Postoperative complication reporting: more than mortality and morbidity.
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The aim of this study was to identify preoperative risk factors and postoperative consequences that are associated with the occurrence of delirium after esophagectomy for malignancy. ⋯ This study demonstrates that postoperative delirium is associated with a more complicated and costly recovery after esophagectomy and that age is independently predictive of its development. Delirium has often been thought to be the sequela of other complications; however, this study demonstrates that it presents in isolation or precedes other complications in 67.4% of cases. Focused screening will likely allow targeted preventative strategies to be used in the perioperative period to reduce complications and costs associated with delirium.