[Blood pressure changes in children during minor oral surgery]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of minor surgery conducted in the oral cavities of children. Changes in blood pressure and pulse during minor surgery were measured using a Pulse-Wave Korotokoff Sound Record Meter GP-303S (PARAMA). The subjects consisted of 28 children (15 boys and 13 girls) who underwent minor surgery at the pediatric dental clinic of Iwate Medical University. An examination of 16 of the 28 children to determine the relationship between their physique, personality, and blood pressure was made. The following results were obtained: 1) The maximum blood pressure formed a peak at the time of the impacted supernumerary teeth extraction. This was more conspicuous in boys than in girls. The pulse rose to the highest values with the infiltration of the anesthesia, the incision, and stripping. However, no significant values based on sex difference were demonstrated. 2) The maximum blood pressure changed more intensely during surgery in boys than in girls. This was distinctly observed during extraction of the impacted supernumerary tooth. 3) Both the maximum blood pressure and pulse increased with the progress of the surgery. After the surgery, it returned nearly to the presurgical level. With extraction of a supernumerary tooth and marsupialization, the return of the blood pressure to the preoperative level was more delayed in boys than in girls. 4. The changes in blood pressure and pulse seemed to be mostly induced by mental disquietude and stress such as anxiety and fear of surgery. 5. The physique and personality were related to the changes in blood pressure and pulse during minor surgery in the oral cavity.