Our Summary

This research investigates the causes of postoperative delirium, a condition that can occur after surgery and anesthesia, which is not well understood. The scientists focused on the role of gut bacteria in this condition, especially since gut bacteria have been linked to various neurological disorders.

The experiment was conducted on female mice, either 9 or 18 months old, who underwent abdominal surgery under anesthesia. The researchers then looked at their behavior, gut bacteria, brain inflammation, and mitochondrial function (which is related to energy production in cells).

The results showed that the surgery and anesthesia changed the gut bacteria in the mice, and these changes were different between the younger and older mice. Older mice also had more severe delirium-like behavior, higher brain inflammation, lower levels of certain brain proteins, and worse mitochondrial function.

Interestingly, when the mice were treated with a specific type of bacteria (Lactobacillus) or a probiotic, these negative effects were reduced. This suggests that the gut bacteria might play a role in postoperative delirium, and that treatments with certain bacteria or probiotics could potentially help prevent or treat this condition.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of gut bacteria in postoperative delirium according to this research?
  2. How did the surgery and anesthesia affect the gut bacteria and brain inflammation in mice?
  3. Could probiotics or certain bacteria potentially help prevent or treat postoperative delirium?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before surgery, and following a specific diet or exercise regimen. It is important to communicate openly with the medical team about any concerns or questions, and to follow up with any recommended follow-up appointments or therapies. Taking care of your overall health, including maintaining a healthy diet and staying active, can also help support your recovery after brain surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended brain surgery include those with brain tumors, epilepsy that is not responding to medication, traumatic brain injuries, blood clots, vascular malformations, hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s disease, and certain neurological conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or essential tremor. Brain surgery may also be recommended for patients with certain types of brain infections or inflammation. Additionally, patients with severe head injuries or brain hemorrhages may require emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure on the brain and prevent further damage.

Timeline

Before brain surgery:

  • Patient meets with surgeon to discuss procedure and potential risks
  • Patient undergoes preoperative testing, such as blood work and imaging scans
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or adjust diet leading up to surgery
  • Patient is given anesthesia before surgery begins
  • Surgery is performed to remove or treat the brain tumor or condition

After brain surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort at the surgical site
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and recovery
  • Patient may need physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and function
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about brain surgery include:

  1. What specific type of brain surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process be, and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery affect my cognitive function and mental health?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to promote optimal healing?
  7. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments or evaluations?
  8. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or issue after surgery?
  9. Are there any specific dietary recommendations I should follow to support brain health and healing?
  10. Can you provide information on any ongoing research or advancements in the field of brain surgery that may be relevant to my case?

Reference

Authors: Liufu N, Liu L, Shen S, Jiang Z, Dong Y, Wang Y, Culley D, Crosby G, Cao M, Shen Y, Marcantonio E, Xie Z, Zhang Y. Journal: Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jan 24;12(2):1965-1986. doi: 10.18632/aging.102736. Epub 2020 Jan 24. PMID: 31974315