This article describes a systematic review on the research into postoperative cognitive
dysfunction (POCD) in noncardiac surgery to ascertain the status of the evidence and to
examine the methodologies used in studies. The review demonstrated that in the early
weeks after major noncardiac surgery, a significant proportion of people show POCD, with
the elderly being more at risk. Minimal evidence was found that patients continue to show
POCD up to 6 months and beyond. Studies on regional versus general anesthesia have not …