Post-Discharge Complications of Dental Treatment in General Anesthesia Performed in a Day-Care Service

Vlaho Brailo; Bernard Janković; Dragana Gabrić; Marin Lozić; Vasilije Stambolija; Danica Vidović Juras; Željko Verzak

doi:10.15644/asc55/2/6

Post-Discharge Complications of Dental Treatment in General Anesthesia Performed in a Day-Care Service

Acta Stomatol Croat. 2021 Jun;55(2):168-176. doi: 10.15644/asc55/2/6.

Authors

Vlaho Brailo¹, Bernard Janković², Dragana Gabrić³, Marin Lozić⁴, Vasilije Stambolija⁴, Danica Vidović Juras¹, Željko Verzak⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oral Medicine, Dental Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Zagreb/University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
² Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, Dental Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Zagreb/University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
³ Department of Oral Surgery, Dental Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Zagreb/University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
⁴ Clinic for Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, University Clinical Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
⁵ Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Clinic, University Clinical Hospital Zagreb/University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.

Abstract

Objective: To review the frequency and management of post-discharge complications in patients who underwent dental treatment in general anesthesia (GA) in a day-care surgery setting and identify the factors that increase the risk for these complications.

Material and methods: Anonymous questionnaire was sent to parents/caregivers of patients who underwent full mouth restoration in GA at our institution between 1^st January 2017 and 31^st July 2019. Demographic and clinical data of patients as well as the data about the occurrence and management of complications were collected.

Results: Sixty-six parents/caregivers (30.5%) responded to the questionnaire. Most frequent complications were drowsiness and pain in 40(60.6%) patients. Complications were managed by parents or caregivers with conservative measures at home in 57(91.9%) cases. Phone consultation with dentist was required in 5(8.1%) cases. One patient (1.6%) was readmitted. Younger age and diagnosis were associated with increased risk for drowsiness.

Conclusion: Post discharge complications of dental treatment in GA in a day-care service are common and they can be managed by parent/caregiver with conservative measures at home. The rate of readmission is low. Dental treatment in GA in a day-care service is a safe procedure that can be performed with acceptable risk in carefully selected patients.

Keywords: Day-care; Dental Care; Dental treatment; General Anesthesia; MeSH terms: Postoperative Complications; Medical Day Care.