A comparison of post-operative morbidity following outpatient dental care under general anaesthesia in paediatric patients with and without disabilities.

An investigation was undertaken of morbidity after outpatient general anaesthesia for comprehensive dental care in a group of paediatric patients over a 1-year period. Data were collated from the patient's hospital notes and from the response to a questionnaire sent to parents/carers. Clinical data were obtained for 55 cases (age range 3-17 years) for whom parents/carers had returned questionnaires. There were 27 intellectually and/or physically impaired patients, the other 28 being anxious or phobic. After discharge, 44% of all parents/carers reported symptoms post-operatively in their child, the prevalence being similar in both groups. The symptoms were nausea/vomiting (20%), unexpected drowsiness (13%) and the need for pain relief at home (13%). Dental procedures were routine restorations (42%), or a combination of restoration, extractions and preventive care for the remainder. Only four patients had extractions only. One teenager had to be admitted for persistent nausea and vomiting, despite prophylactic measures. In conclusion, post-operative morbidity appears to be low after outpatient general anaesthesia for dental procedures, and is no greater in patients with disabilities.