Clinical Research Directory

Post-operative Cognitive Decline After Ambulatory Cataract Surgery in the Elderly Population

Postoperative cognitive decline is a recognized complication following anesthesia and surgery in older adults; however, its incidence after ambulatory cataract surgery performed under sedation is not well understood. This prospective observational study aims to determine the proportion of patients aged 65 years and older who develop postoperative cognitive decline at 3 weeks and 3 months following ambulatory cataract surgery. Participants will complete a baseline Tele-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) before surgery and repeat the assessment remotely at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Demographic, medical, anesthetic, and procedural data will also be collected. The findings will improve understanding of postoperative cognitive outcomes in elderly patients undergoing ambulatory cataract surgery and help identify patients who may be at increased risk for postoperative cognitive decline.

The Effect of Esketamine on Postoperative Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients Undergoing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Esketamine is a common anesthetic adjuvant. Previous studies have shown that it may have protective effects on the brain. This study aims to investigate whether esketamine can improve cognitive function recovery in elderly patients (aged 60 years and older) undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either esketamine or a placebo (normal saline) during anesthesia. Neither the participants nor the researchers will know which treatment is given. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized tests before surgery and at 1, 3, 7, and 15 days after surgery. Sleep quality, pain scores, emotional status, and adverse events will also be recorded. Blood samples will be collected to explore potential mechanisms. The study is expected to enroll approximately 98 participants at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University in Xi'an, China. Participation will last about 16 days from the day before surgery to the final follow-up on day 15 after surgery.

Dexmedetomidine-esketamine and tDCS for Prevention of Neurocognitive Complications After Surgery

Neurocognitive complications, mainly delirium and neurocognitive disorders, are common cerebral complications in older patients after surgery and associated with worse outcomes. In previous studies, perioperative use of dexmedetomidine-esketamine combination improved analgesia and sleep quality after surgery. Perioperative use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) also improved sleep quality and reduced delirium occurrence early after surgery. This 2×2 factorial trial is designed to investigate the effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine-esketamine combination and tDCS on early postoperative neurocognitive recovery and delirium occurrence in older patients.

Exploring the Predictive Value of Electroencephalography Features in Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders Following Cardiovascular Surgery

To explore the predictive value of Electroencephalography features in Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery under general anesthesia

Cognitive Function and Postoperative Quality of Recovery

This study aims to assess the association between perioperative cognitive function and postoperative quality of recovery.

Effect of Gastrectomy on Gut Microbiome and Cognitive Function

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders is a common postoperative complication in elderly surgical patients. The role of gut microbiota in cognitive function has been concerned in recent years. Studies suggests that gastrointestinal surgery may affect the gut microbiota, and the effect varies between surgical procedures. In this study, the investigators will compare the differences of gut microbiota between total gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction, to investigate the effect of gastric acid on the gut microbiota colonizing, and the effect of different surgical procedures on the postoperative cognitive function of proximal gastric cancer patients.