Effect of propofol, sevoflurane, and isoflurane on postoperative cognitive dysfunction following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Study objective To compare the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly surgical patients (> 60 years) receiving different anesthetics (propofol, sevoflurane, or isoflurane) and to identify potential biomarkers of POCD in this patient population. Design Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Setting University-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients One hundred and fifty elderly patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Interventions Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to receive propofol, sevoflurane, or isoflurane anesthesia. Measurements: Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological tests at baseline (1 day before surgery [D0]), and on postoperative day 1 (D1) and day 3 (D3). Plasma S-100β and Aβ1–40 protein, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were assessed before induction of anesthesia (T0), after extubation (T1), and 1 h (T2) and 24 h (T3) postoperatively. Main results The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the propofol group compared to the isoflurane group and the sevoflurane group at D1 and D3 (propofol vs. isoflurane: D1 and D3, P < 0.001; propofol vs. sevoflurane: D1, P = 0.012; D3, P = 0.013). The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the sevoflurane group compared to the isoflurane group at D1 ( P = 0.041), but not at D3. Postoperatively, plasma S-100β and Aβ1–40 protein, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were significantly decreased in the propofol group compared to the isoflurane group. Conclusions Propofol anesthesia may be an option for elderly surgical patients.