Pathomechanism of postoperative delirium: Systemic inflammatory response and neuroinflammation following anesthesia/surgery.

Postoperative delirium (POD) refers to a transient and acute brain dysfunction syndrome occurring within one week after surgery, predominantly between the 1st and 3rd days post-operation. It is characterized by fluctuations in mental state, with symptoms primarily involving disturbances in attention, altered levels of consciousness, and cognitive impairment. POD is a common postoperative complication in older patients, significantly increasing the incidence of long-term cognitive decline and mortality rates. However, the exact neurological mechanisms behind POD remain unclear. Research continues to investigate these mechanisms, with neuroinflammation induced by surgery and anesthesia being considered a core pathogenic factor in POD. We review and summarize previous research findings on neuroinflammation induced by anesthesia/surgery and its potential mechanisms. We wrote this review to help readers better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of postoperative delirium.