Classification of potential risk factors for trigeminocardiac reflex in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

PURPOSE: Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) in craniomaxillofacial surgery can lead to severely life-threatening situations. At least mild forms are probably much more common than the existing surgical literature suggests. Therefore, the aim of this presentation of cases and literature review was to evaluate the predisposing factors leading to a classification of risk factors for potential TCR and to give information concerning preventive measures and management procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: All surgery reports from the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery in the University Hospital in Zurich between 2003 and 2008 were searched for severe intraoperative cardiovascular complications, and a literature review was performed for publications concerning asystole or bradycardia during maxillofacial surgical procedures.

RESULTS: Three incidents were revealed in which severe bradycardia--in 2 cases followed by asystole--had occurred. All incidents were successfully managed.

CONCLUSION: All craniomaxillofacial surgeons involved in orbital surgery in general and in the treatment of midface fractures, eyelid surgery, and orthognathic procedures in particular should be aware of the possibility of the TCR and should be familiar with its prevention and therapy.