British journal of anaesthesia
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Postoperative delirium (PD) is a serious complication after major surgery in elderly patients. PD is well defined and characterized by reduced attention and disorientation. Multimodal optimization of perioperative care (the fast-track methodology) enhances recovery, and reduces hospital stay and medical morbidity. No data on PD are available in fast-track surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PD after fast-track hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) with anticipated length of stay (LOS) of <3 days. ⋯ A fast-track set-up with multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia was associated with lack of PD after elective THA and TKA in elderly patients.