What is Cognisurg (Cognitive Surgery)?

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Last updated: April 9, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Cognisurg is not a recognized medical term, and if you're referring to cognitive surgical approaches, consulting a neurosurgeon who specializes in functional neurosurgery or neuro-oncology is recommended. The term "cognisurg" appears to be a portmanteau of "cognitive" and "surgery," but it does not have a specific definition or recognition in mainstream healthcare. However, cognitive surgical approaches are a real and evolving field, focusing on preserving or improving cognitive function during neurosurgical procedures for neurological conditions. These approaches may include techniques like awake brain surgery, where patients remain conscious during parts of the surgery to monitor cognitive functions in real-time and minimize damage to critical brain areas 1.

Cognitive Preservation Techniques

Some of the techniques used to protect cognitive function during brain surgery include:

  • Intraoperative brain mapping to identify critical brain areas
  • Neuronavigation systems for precise surgical navigation
  • Neurophysiological monitoring to assess brain function during surgery These technologies and techniques are advancing the field of neurosurgery, allowing for more precise and less invasive procedures that prioritize cognitive preservation 1.

Nomenclature for Perioperative Cognitive Disorders

The British Journal of Anaesthesia has published recommendations for the nomenclature of cognitive change associated with anesthesia and surgery, suggesting the use of "perioperative neurocognitive disorders" as an overarching term for cognitive impairment or change identified in the preoperative or postoperative period 1. This includes cognitive impairment diagnosed before operation, acute events like delirium, and cognitive decline diagnosed up to 30 days after the procedure, referred to as "delayed neurocognitive recovery," and up to 12 months, adopting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria with appropriate specifiers and time-frame.

Recommendations for Patients

If you're interested in cognitive preservation during neurosurgical procedures, it is crucial to consult with a neurosurgeon who specializes in functional neurosurgery or neuro-oncology. They can provide specific information about techniques used to protect cognitive function during brain surgery based on your particular medical situation, ensuring the best possible outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1.

From the Research

Cognisurg Overview

  • Cognisurg is not directly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the term may be related to cognitive surgery or cognitive rehabilitation.
  • The studies provided focus on the effects of cognitive rehabilitation and donepezil therapy on Alzheimer's disease patients.

Cognitive Rehabilitation and Donepezil Therapy

  • A study published in 2016 2 found that the combination of cognitive rehabilitation and donepezil therapy had a better effect on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients compared to drug-only therapy.
  • Another study published in 2012 3 found that stimulation therapy and donepezil did not improve cognitive function in early Alzheimer's disease patients, but all groups retained cognitive function during the one-year follow-up.
  • A study published in 2010 4 found that the combination of intensive cognitive rehabilitation and donepezil therapy improved cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients.
  • A more recent study published in 2024 5 found that a diversified rehabilitation program combined with donepezil substantially alleviated apathy, improved cognitive function, and reduced caregiver burden in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Evaluation of Surgical Care

  • A study published in 2013 6 discussed the evaluation of surgical care and the importance of evidence-based medicine in surgery.
  • The study highlighted the need for continuous improvement in surgical care and the development of indicators of quality of surgical care.

Limitations

  • The provided studies do not directly address the topic of Cognisurg, and more research is needed to fully understand its implications.
  • The studies focus on cognitive rehabilitation and donepezil therapy in Alzheimer's disease patients, and may not be directly applicable to other areas of surgery or medicine.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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