Objective To determine the relationship between early postoperative delirium (EPD) and prognosis in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Methods This was a prospective cohort study consisted of 698 patients admitted to postanesthesia care unit, undergoing non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia, between June and December 2009. The risk factors affecting prognosis were collected. All the patients were assessed for the development of delirium by experienced research staff using Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the occurrence of EPD: EPD group and no EPD (NEPD) group. The postoperative hospital length of stay was made as a major prognostic indicator. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting prognosis. Results Of the 698 patients, 197 (28.2%) developed EPD. The postoperative hospital length of stay was prolonged in group EPD compared with group NEPD. The Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis indicated that EPD was an independent risk factor affecting prognosis. Conclusion EPD is an independent risk factor affecting prognosis in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.