Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is detected in 25% of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The mechanism of POCD is poorly understood, but it is believed that general anesthesia (GA) itself may contribute significantly to POCD.
The aim of our prospective study was to compare, with the aid of event-related potentials, the impact of general anesthesia (GA) and local anesthesia (LA) on POCD in patients undergoing CEA.