Our Summary

This study looked at why same-day oral and facial surgeries were being cancelled at a hospital in Shanghai. The researchers analyzed data from June to December 2021 and found that out of 3134 planned surgeries, 72 were cancelled.

The most common reasons for these cancellations were related to the patients themselves (43.05%) and the specifics of their diseases (38.89%). The Covid-19 pandemic also played a role, causing 13.89% of cancellations, while issues within the hospital caused 4.17% of cancellations.

The worst affected departments were Preventive Dentistry, Oral Surgery, and Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery.

The researchers suggested that these cancellations could be reduced by better screening patients before their anesthesia, improving communication between doctors and patients, and by enhancing health education and pandemic prevention measures.

FAQs

  1. What were the most common reasons for the cancellation of same-day oral and facial surgeries in the study?
  2. Which departments were most affected by the cancellations of these surgeries?
  3. What were the recommendations given by the researchers to reduce the rate of surgery cancellations?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully. This includes fasting before the surgery, avoiding certain medications that could interfere with the anesthesia, and disclosing any medical conditions or allergies to the surgical team. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful and smooth surgery experience.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended oral surgery include those with impacted teeth, severe tooth decay, gum disease, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, cysts or tumors in the jaw, and other conditions that require surgical intervention. Patients with complex medical histories or systemic conditions may also be recommended for oral surgery to address dental issues that can impact their overall health.

Timeline

Before oral surgery, a patient typically goes through the following timeline:

  • Consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the treatment plan
  • Pre-operative evaluation, which may include medical history review, physical examination, and possibly blood tests or imaging studies
  • Preparing for surgery by following any pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure
  • Arriving at the surgical facility on the day of surgery, where they will be prepped for the procedure

After oral surgery, the patient experiences the following timeline:

  • Recovery immediately after surgery, which may involve staying in a recovery room for observation
  • Post-operative care instructions are provided, including information on managing pain, swelling, and bleeding
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns
  • Resuming normal activities gradually as advised by the surgeon, avoiding certain foods or activities that may interfere with healing
  • Long-term follow-up to ensure the success of the surgery and address any potential complications or issues that may arise

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery may include:

  1. What specific procedure will I be undergoing and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used and what are the possible side effects?
  4. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. How many of these surgeries have you performed before and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  8. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and what should I avoid?
  9. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow post-surgery to ensure proper healing?
  10. How will my follow-up care be managed and what signs should I look out for that may indicate a complication?

By asking these questions, patients can better understand the surgery they will be undergoing, the potential risks involved, and how to best prepare for a successful outcome.

Reference

Authors: Li Y, Xu Y, Yang YL, Ji J, Shi T. Journal: Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue. 2023 Jun;32(3):328-331. PMID: 37803993