Evaluation of self-reported failures in cognitive function after cardiac and noncardiac surgery

Long-term cognitive deficits after cardiac surgical procedures involving ca rdiopulmonary bypass have been well documented. The occurrence of prolonged cognitive changes after noncardiac surgery has not, however, been clearly established. Using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, which permits self -assessment of cognitive impairment, we studied 50 patients before and 2 mo nths after coronary bypass surgery and major vascular surgical procedures. Pre-operative test scores did not differ between groups. Postoperatively, 2 4 cardiac surgical patients and 22 vascular surgical patients completed the questionnaire. Both groups reported significantly more cognitive failures occurring after surgery than in the pre-operative period. This suggests tha t there are factors other than the exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass durin g cardiac surgery that affect self-assessed, long: term postoperative cogni tive sequelae.