The post-surgery risk we don’t talk about enough

Not all post-surgery recoveries are straightforward — whether it’s a minor procedure or something more serious.

Even if you’ve followed all the right steps beforehand, and the procedure goes exactly as planned, you could still wake up feeling confused or not quite like yourself.

It’s easy to believe this is standard grogginess from anaesthetic, but for some — and particularly for older adults — it could be a sign of something more serious called Post Operative Delirium or POD.

What is Post Operative Delirium (POD)?

POD is a sudden and serious change in how someone thinks or behaves after surgery. It can come on quickly and make people feel disoriented or confused. Some may not recognise where they are or who they’re with. Others might see or hear things that aren’t really there.

It’s different from typical memory issues or ageing. POD can come and go throughout the day. It usually clears up once the cause is treated, but it can be distressing for both patients and families.

POD is surprisingly common. Around one in five hospitalised patients are affected, yet most people have never heard of it. The good news is that it can often be prevented, but it’s important to first understand what exactly causes it so that you aren’t misdiagnosing your symptoms.

What causes POD and who’s at risk?

POD can affect anyone, though it’s more common in people over 65¹. It’s especially likely in those with existing health or memory conditions. Triggers can include:

• The effects of anaesthesia
• Pain or discomfort after surgery
• Infections
• Dehydration
• Lack of sleep

Is it just forgetfulness?

While many people may mistake it for age-related forgetfulness, Post Operative Delirium is not the same as the gradual memory changes that come with ageing. It tends to appear suddenly, often within a day or two after surgery, and can fluctuate throughout the day. Therefore, recognising the signs is extremely important.

If patients and families can spot it early, doctors are in a much better position to step in and manage it before it gets worse.

The best defence against POD

One of the best ways to lower your risk of Post Operative Delirium is by having an open conversation with your doctor before surgery.

There are a few simple steps that can help lower your risk of developing POD. The earlier you talk through these options with your healthcare team, the easier it is to find out what’s best for you.

Medication management
Before your surgery, let your healthcare team know about all the medications you’re taking. They may suggest changes to reduce your risk of delirium.

Brain activity monitoring
Ask your healthcare team if brain activity monitoring will be used during your procedure. This technology helps the anaesthetist closely track your brain’s responses during surgery which may allow them to adjust the anaesthetic levels more precisely to support a smoother recovery.

Healthy lifestyle
Focus on eating well and staying hydrated in the lead-up to your surgery. Good nutrition and fluid intake can give your body the best chance to heal.

Understand your risk level
Knowing where you stand helps you and your surgeon make better decisions about your care.

To help you head into surgery feeling informed and in control, Medtronic has put together a free POD Risk Assessment Tool — a quick and simple way to get a clearer picture of your risk of Post Operative Delirium. It’s designed to help kickstart honest conversations with your healthcare team.

You can also download a handy discussion guide to bring along to your next appointment and make sure no questions are left on the table.

The more you understand your personal risk, the better equipped you and your doctor are to plan for a smoother recovery.

¹Schenning, K. J., & Deiner, S. G. (2015). Postoperative delirium in the geriatric patient. Anesthesiology Clinics, 33(3), 505–516.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.