Evaluating memory dysfunction after spinal anesthesia among patients undergoing elective surgery: Descriptive-analytical study

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia has a number of side effects including cognitive impairment after the surgery. Postoperative cognitive impairment is commonly associated with general anesthesia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Marcaine (bupivacaine hydrochloride) in memory impairment among patients undergoing elective surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study descriptive-analytical study, patients undergoing elective lower extremity or lower abdomen surgery requiring spinal anesthesia were included. Following 24 h of the surgery, standard Wechsler questionnaire was used to assess memory of the patients. Other demographic and clinical parameters such as age, gender and blood pressure, pulse rate were also recorded. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSSv18. RESULTS: In this study, 105 patients where 55 (52.4%) males and 50 (47.6%) females were studied. The mean age of the subjects was 35.73 ± 10.64 years. There was a significant difference between the mean of memory scores in terms of logical memory and overall memory (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between the mean scores of patients' rational memory and systolic blood pressure at admission (P = 0.030). There was a significant relationship between mean associative learning scores in patients and systolic blood pressure at admission (P = 0.046) and type of surgery (P = 0.013). Furthermore, overall memory scores were significantly associated with age (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that spinal anesthesia had a significant effect on some areas of memory. Further studies in this area can yield more reliable results.