The body's inflammatory response to surgery likely plays an important role, at least in elderly patients. Various research initiatives during recent years have evaluated whether actions taken before, during and after surgery can lessen the possible deleterious effects of inflammation. For example, anti-inflammatory agents can be given before surgery. During surgery, inflammation can be modulated by temperature control, use of regional rather than general anesthesia or the use of beta blockers. After surgery, optimal pain management and infection control is important. Several studies have shown variable-significance positive effects when a multidisciplinary, multifactorial approach to elderly patient is followed during pre, peri and post-operative care. A Cochrane review explored whether inhalation anaesthetics or intravenous anaesthetics were more likely to cause<unk>  when used in the elderly for non-cardiac surgery. Seven studies (869 participants) included in the review led to the conclusion that fewer people experienced<unk>  with total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) compared to inhalational anaesthesia. The conclusions, however, rated "low" on GRADE scoring (confidence in the effect estimate is limited: the true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect).
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction
Postoperative nausea and vomiting
Post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment
Complications of traumatic brain injury
Stroke recovery
Primary and secondary brain injury
Postoperative fever
Central nervous system fatigue