Abstract: Careful physical examination is essential in the preoperative assessment of children for dental extractions under general anesthesia.

Authors:

Rutherford J, Stevenson R.

Institution:

Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, DG1 4AP.

Source:

Paediatr Anaesth. 2004 Nov;14(11):920-3.

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Physical examination is routinely carried out for the preoperative assessment of children, but is it of value in day stay community dental surgery? METHODS: A prospective survey of new diagnoses made on children presenting for community dental extractions and compared with children having nondental surgery. RESULTS: Five of 216 children for dental extractions were seen with new diagnoses made, with a variety of conditions including patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect and obstructive sleep apnea. No new diagnoses were made in 294 nondental children in the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Physical examination provides a useful adjunct to the history in children undergoing community dental extraction. There is potentially significant morbidity undiagnosed in apparently fit children presenting for dental surgery.

Keywords:

Oral Surgery Dental Paediatric Preassessment