Abstract
We examined the relationships between hyperkinetic delirium and delirium risk factors, as well as a sedation period or duration in 41 patients after having reconstructive surgery in our hospital from January 2006 to December 2010. Twenty-five of the 41 patients experienced delirium and 16 did not experience delirium. No relationship was observed between postoperative delirium and age, operation time, electrolyte abnormality, or benzodiazepine. However, significant differences were observed in the use of H2 blockers (96% vs. 68%; p < 0.05) and in the average postoperative sedation period or duration (46 hours vs. 31 hours; p < 0.05) between patients experiencing delirium and those not experiencing delirium. We consider that stress to body caused by sedative medication, delays in waking caused by extension of the sedation, and physiologic stress caused by artificial respirator use lead to this postoperative delirium. A reduction in the sedation period or duration is thought to be advisable.
