Controlled Hypotension in Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty: Incidence of Cognitive Dysfunction and Delirium

Nasal congestion is a health issue that affects approximately 70% of the general population, with nasal septal deviations being the most common cause . Various nasal septal surgeries, such as septoplasty or rhinoplasty, are performed to address aesthetic concerns related to curvature and correct deviations. The most common issue encountered during these operations is bleeding, which hinders the visibility of the surgical field. To prevent bleeding in the surgical area, the Trendelenburg position and controlled hypotension practices are frequently preferred . Controlled hypotension is defined as the intentional, elective, and controlled reduction of systolic blood pressure to 80-90 mmHg, the reduction of mean arterial pressure (MAP) to 50-65 mmHg, or a 30-50% reduction in baseline MAP.

Controlled hypotension is employed to shorten the duration of surgical procedures, reduce bleeding, decrease the need for blood transfusion, and enhance the quality of surgery by providing a satisfactory and clear surgical field without causing organ dysfunction.

Cognitive function is a mental process encompassing an individual's learning, understanding of oneself and the world, and acquired knowledge and beliefs about the surroundings. It covers higher brain functions such as consciousness, attention, learning, memory, perception, orientation, intelligence, action, emotion, imagination, problem-solving, decision-making, speech, reading, writing, and calculation. Cognitive function disorders are classified into delirium, dementia, amnestic disorder, cognitive disorder not otherwise specified, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). POCD is a cognitive impairment that most commonly manifests with memory and concentration disturbances, diagnosable through neuropsychiatric tests. It is objectively measured cognitive decline beyond the expected duration for normal recovery from the physiological and pharmacological effects of anesthesia and surgery. POCD can persist from one day to years after surgery, increasing hospital stay and costs, affecting patients of all age groups, but more prevalent in older individuals. Early risk factors for POCD include anesthesia duration, low educational level, multiple surgical histories, postoperative infection, and respiratory complications. Late POCD, on the other hand, is only correlated with age among the identified risk factors. Bispectral index (BIS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring are utilized in the perioperative process to prevent POCD . Studies have shown that lower BIS values in patients are associated with less development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction . The results suggest that deep anesthesia may have a protective effect by reducing cerebral metabolism and blood flow. Cerebral oxygenation monitoring has also demonstrated potential usefulness in preventing the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Methods used for detecting postoperative cognitive dysfunction include direct interviews, questionnaires, mental status assessment tests, and neuropsychological tests . The most commonly used test among these is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The MMSE, developed by Folstein and colleagues in 1975, evaluates cognitive functions and covers questions related to time and place orientation, memory and recall, attention and calculation, orientation, language, and visual structuring. A modified Mini-Mental test is used for those with no education. Both tests have a maximum score of 30, with 0-9 indicating severe cognitive impairment, 10-19 moderate cognitive impairment, 20-26 mild cognitive impairment, and 27-30 normal cognitive function.

Delirium is characterized by the acute onset, fluctuating course, and features such as disruption of cognitive functions due to organic causes, changes in the sleep-wake cycle, and decreased attention and perception . It is more common in intensive care units and the postoperative period, with advanced age being a risk factor for delirium due to the use of multiple medications and physical limitations. Various systemic illnesses and conditions related to the central nervous system can lead to delirium.

"Delirium, as it exhibits fluctuation throughout the day, is not always easily recognizable, and since only a medical professional can apply DSM criteria, the diagnosis may be overlooked. Screening and diagnostic tools have been developed to be easily and quickly applied using DSM criteria, allowing not only physicians but also nurses and healthcare personnel to use them.

Several assessment tools have been developed to easily and quickly detect and evaluate delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a screening tool consisting of four features: (a) acute onset and fluctuating mental status, (b) inattention, (c) disorganized thinking, and (d) altered levels of consciousness.

Delirium can be diagnosed, especially using features (a) and (b), although (c) or (d) can be selectively used. For the intensive care unit, the CAM for the intensive care unit is a two-minute version of the CAM that can be easily applied in the intensive care unit with an accuracy of over 93%. Qualified personnel with appropriate training can apply CAM with high sensitivity.

The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) is a tool used to assess the level of sedation/agitation. The DSM-5 guide states that a level of significantly decreased arousal above the level of coma (acutely onset) should be considered delirium, making RASS considered useful in diagnosing delirium.

The Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98) is useful in assessing the presence and severity of delirium but takes more time to administer than CAM. DRS-R-98 includes a relatively broader range of symptoms, comprising 3 diagnostic items and 13 severity items (total score ranging from 0 to 46, with a higher score indicating more severe delirium). It is suggested that a severity score of 15 or higher may indicate dementia or other psychiatric disorders.

Preventing the development of delirium is a primary approach in treatment. Identifying the causes of delirium and correcting the underlying organic disorder is the first treatment option. Measures to prevent delirium include ensuring the patient remains active, using auxiliary devices such as hearing aids and glasses when the patient is awake, avoiding restraints, and regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, nursing care is crucial. The secondary approach is treatment aimed at shortening the duration and reducing the severity of delirium in patients who develop delirium . Delirium is a condition where the sensitivity of the brain is increased. Medications that have anticholinergic side effects and lower the confusion threshold should be avoided. Delirium tremens, which occurs due to alcohol withdrawal, is treated with benzodiazepine derivatives . Benzodiazepine derivatives should not be used in treatment except for benzodiazepine deficiency and delirium tremens. If the patient with delirium is highly agitated and restless, haloperidol can be used as a sedative due to its low anticholinergic effect. Olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole are second-generation antipsychotics. The use of these drugs is safe in delirium.