Diagnostic criteria for delirium

The patients were assessed by a trained physician using the confusion assessment method, which involves evaluating the following: (1) Acute changes in mental status; (2) Inattention; (3) Disorganized thinking; and (4) Change in consciousness level. Delirium is diagnosed if any one of the following conditions is met: (1) and (2), plus (3), or (4)[9]. Delirium can manifest in three types: Excited type: Increased activity, decreased ability to control activity, restlessness, and wandering; Inhibitory type: Decreased activity, slowed-down behavior, decreased ability for environmental recognition, reduced language quantity and speed, fatigue, and decreased arousal or autism; Mixed type: Alternating episodes of excitation and inhibition.

Assessments began on the first day after the completion of surgery and were performed once daily until the patient's discharge or death.