Abstract:Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common postoperative complication that not only affects patients' cognitive functions, but may also increase the incidence of other complications, prolong hospital stay, and increase medical costs. Currently, there is no clear prevention or treatment method, but the incidence of POD can be reduced by avoiding inducing factors. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology-based monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO₂) is a non-invasive method that can reflect changes in the balance of cerebral oxygen supply and demand in real-time and is closely related to the development and progression of POD. This article reviews the progress in the application of rScO₂ monitoring in the prediction of POD, including the potential underlying mechanisms of rScO₂ reduction related to POD, the association between rScO₂ and POD, and the potential value of interventions based on rScO₂ monitoring in reducing the incidence of POD. This article aims to provide a reference for clinical POD prevention and treatment and to offer new ideas and methods for further research on the relationship between rScO₂ and POD.