Delirium is a frequent occurring complication in surgical patients. Nevertheless, a scientific work-up of the clinical relevance of delirium after intracranial surgery is lacking. We conducted a systematic review (CRD42020166656) to evaluate the current diagnostic work-up, incidence, risk factors and health outcomes of delirium in this population. Five databases (Embase, Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central) were searched from inception through March 31st, 2021. Twenty-four studies (5589 patients) were included for qualitative analysis and twenty-one studies for quantitative analysis (5083 patients). Validated delirium screening tools were used in 70% of the studies, consisting of the Confusion Assessment Method (intensive care unit) (45%), Delirium Observation Screening Scale (5%), Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (10%), Neelon and Champagne Confusion Scale (5%) and Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (5%). Incidence of post-operative delirium after intracranial surgery was 19%, ranging from 12 to 26% caused by variation in clinical features and delirium assessment methods. Meta-regression for age and gender did not show a correlation with delirium. We present an overview of risk factors and health outcomes associated with the onset of delirium. Our review highlights the need of future research on delirium in neurosurgery, which should focus on optimizing diagnosis and assessing prognostic significance and management.

谵妄是外科患者常见的并发症。然而，缺乏对颅内手术后谵妄临床相关性的科学研究。我们进行了系统评价 (CRD42020166656)，以评估该人群中谵妄的当前诊断工作、发病率、危险因素和健康结果。从开始到 2021 年 3 月 31 日，对五个数据库（Embase、Medline、Web of Science、PsycINFO、Cochrane Central）进行了搜索。包括 24 项研究（5589 名患者）进行定性分析，21 项研究进行定量分析（5083 名患者） ）。70% 的研究使用了经过验证的谵妄筛查工具，包括混淆评估方法（重症监护室）（45%）、谵妄观察筛查量表（5%）、重症监护谵妄筛查清单（10%）、Neelon 和香槟混淆量表 (5%) 和护理性谵妄筛查量表 (5%)。颅内手术后谵妄的发生率为 19%，其范围为 12% 至 26%，这是由临床特征和谵妄评估方法的差异引起的。年龄和性别的元回归并未显示与谵妄相关。我们概述了与谵妄发作相关的风险因素和健康结果。我们的综述强调了未来对神经外科谵妄研究的需求，重点应放在优化诊断和评估预后意义和管理上。年龄和性别的元回归并未显示与谵妄相关。我们概述了与谵妄发作相关的风险因素和健康结果。我们的综述强调了未来对神经外科谵妄研究的需求，重点应放在优化诊断和评估预后意义和管理上。年龄和性别的元回归并未显示与谵妄相关。我们概述了与谵妄发作相关的风险因素和健康结果。我们的综述强调了未来对神经外科谵妄研究的需求，重点应放在优化诊断和评估预后意义和管理上。