Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/15/2009

Question
My father, age 81, had hip surgery, on the first day after he was fine. From then, for 4 days now he is aggressive, incoherent, confused, and seems to be a different person. They are sedating and restraining him in high care. I am concerned. Please advise. Thanks Danny

Answer
HI Danny
Unfortunately this can happen after surgery in the elderly - indeed problems can occur in much younger people. Sometimes there is an underlying problem like a chest or even bladder infection that sets things off but in others there is nothing that we can find as a cause.
It is known that anaesthesia itself can cause problems. I cannot give you any indication as to how well he will recover - except say that most people do get over this stage. However there maybe some longterm changes in his 'character'.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson