Our Summary

This study looked at the medical records of children with a history of swallowing difficulties who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgeries of the mouth and face) under general anesthesia over a 9-year period at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Of the 35 surgeries performed on 28 children, nearly a third had at least one complication, including breathing difficulties, fever, bleeding, seizures, or low oxygen levels. No deaths occurred. The researchers concluded that these children were at a higher risk of complications from surgery. Therefore, surgeons and parents should carefully weigh these risks against the potential benefits of the surgery before proceeding.

FAQs

  1. What kind of complications were common in children who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  2. How was the risk of complications in oral and maxillofacial surgery measured in this study?
  3. What are the recommendations for surgeons and parents when considering oral and maxillofacial surgery for children with swallowing difficulties?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team. This may include fasting before the surgery, stopping certain medications, and following any other guidelines to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or medical history, such as a history of swallowing difficulties, to the surgical team to help minimize the risk of complications during and after the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended oral surgery include those with:

  • Impacted teeth (teeth that have not fully erupted through the gum)
  • Severely decayed or damaged teeth that cannot be restored
  • Misaligned jaws or bite problems
  • Jaw cysts or tumors
  • Facial trauma or injuries
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Oral infections or abscesses
  • Oral cancer or precancerous lesions

It is important for patients to discuss their specific oral health concerns with a qualified oral surgeon to determine if oral surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation with an oral surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative assessment, including medical history review, physical examination, and possibly blood work or imaging tests.
  3. Pre-surgical instructions, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications.
  4. Administration of anesthesia to induce unconsciousness during the surgery.
  5. Surgical procedure performed by the oral surgeon, which may involve extractions, implants, or other interventions.
  6. Post-operative recovery in the hospital or outpatient setting, with monitoring for complications such as bleeding, infection, or reaction to anesthesia.

After oral surgery:

  1. Recovery period, which may involve pain management, swelling, and dietary restrictions.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Resumption of normal activities, such as eating and drinking, as directed by the surgeon.
  4. Long-term follow-up to ensure the success of the surgery and address any complications that may arise.
  5. Maintenance of oral hygiene to prevent infection and promote healing.
  6. Potential need for additional procedures or interventions, depending on the outcome of the initial surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the oral surgery procedure?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for this surgery?
  3. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  4. How experienced is the surgeon in performing this specific type of oral surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  6. Will I need to follow any special dietary restrictions or precautions before and after the surgery?
  7. How long will the effects of the anesthesia last and when can I expect to fully regain consciousness?
  8. What measures will be taken to ensure my safety during the surgery, especially if I have a history of swallowing difficulties or other medical conditions?
  9. What is the overall success rate of this surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Nguyen TD, Freilich MM, Macpherson BA. Journal: J Can Dent Assoc. 2016 Jun;82:g16. PMID: 27548662