Objective To analyse the cognitive dysfunction early after non-cardiac surgery in elderly. MethodsEighteen elderly patients undergoing selective non-cardiac surgery were investigated. General anesthesia was used in 11 patients and combined epidural-spinal anesthesia in 7 cases. The operations involved orthopedic, thoracic, abdominal and urologic surgeries. The patients were premedicated with phynoharbital 0. 1g and scopolamine 0. 3mg. Results All patients suffered from typical POCD that occurred during 1 to 3 days after operation. The symptoms were more severe at night. The patients with POCD were treated effectively with intravenous injection of midozolam and muscle injection of haloperidol in 15 cases. The symptoms of POCD were attenuated by injection of pethidine in 2 cases. One case had to be given intravenous infusion of propofol continually for 16 hours. All patients were cured without psychological complications before discharge Conclusion POCD is a common complication in the elderly and should be treated actively.