Preoperative and Postoperative Fasting and Delirium

Postoperative delirium is a common and serious complication after surgery, especially in older patients, and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and worse recovery. Fasting before and after surgery is a routine part of perioperative care; however, prolonged fasting may negatively affect recovery and brain function.

This prospective, observational, multicenter study aims to evaluate the relationship between preoperative and postoperative fasting durations and the development of postoperative delirium in adult patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery under general or regional anesthesia.

Fasting times before and after surgery will be recorded. Patients will be assessed for postoperative delirium during the first three postoperative days using validated screening tools. No additional interventions will be applied, and all patients will receive standard perioperative care.

The results of this study may help identify whether prolonged fasting is associated with a higher risk of postoperative delirium and may contribute to improving perioperative fasting practices and patient safety.