【Abstract】 Objective To understand the research progress and development trends of postoperative delirium (POD) and provide reference for subsequent research in this field. Methods We conducted a search of literature related to “postoperative delirium” published online from 2015 to 2023. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used for bibliometric analysis to evaluate research trends and hotspots in this field. Results From 2015 to 2023, research in the field of postoperative delirium showed an increasing trend annually, but began to decline in 2023. Collaboration among authors was relatively limited, mainly from the same research teams, with researchers from the United States dominating. Institutional collaboration mainly focused on units affiliated with universities such as Harvard Medical School, with relatively few international collaborations. The United States and China were the two major centers of research on postoperative delirium, with the United States having a significantly greater influence. Co-occurrence analysis of keywords showed that research focused mainly on risk factors, assessment and diagnostic methods, and prevention strategies for postoperative delirium. In addition, keyword clustering analysis and timeline analysis revealed the evolution of research focus and trends. Conclusion In bibliometric research, the pathophysiology of postoperative delirium and its impact have always been the focus of future research. Specifically, the impact of postoperative delirium on memory and the role of neuroinflammation in its occurrence and development will become future hotspots of concern. To guide personalized prevention of postoperative delirium, more large-scale studies are needed, along with strengthened collaboration among institutions to provide robust evidence support.