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Design of a scale for measuring post-surgical complications in third molar surgery
P C Aravena1, P Astudillo2, C Manterola2
1School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile; PhD Program in Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|April 8, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed a preliminary scale to measure post-surgical complications after third molar surgery. This new tool helps standardize the assessment of complications like infection and tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Surgical Complication Assessment
- Scale Development Methodology
Background:
- Post-surgical complications following third molar surgery require standardized measurement tools.
- Current assessment methods may lack consistency in evaluating the extent and severity of complications.
- Developing a reliable scale is crucial for improving patient care and research outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a preliminary scale for measuring the extent and severity of post-surgical complications in third molar surgery.
- To establish a standardized method for the semiological assessment of post-surgical complications.
- To identify key signs and symptoms indicative of complications.
Main Methods:
- A multi-stage study combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Self-report questionnaires administered to maxillofacial surgeons and residents to identify important signs and symptoms.
- Exploratory factor analysis to establish scale items and components, with internal consistency assessed using Cronbach's alpha.
- Face validity analysis conducted by a panel of experts.
Main Results:
- Thirty-six signs and symptoms were evaluated, with 'suppuration' and 'abscess' identified as highly relevant.
- Factor analysis revealed three key components: 'secondary complication', 'soft tissue infection', and 'osseous involvement'.
- The preliminary scale consists of these three components and 10 items, demonstrating good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7).
Conclusions:
- A preliminary scale for measuring post-surgical complications in third molar surgery has been successfully designed.
- The scale standardizes semiological concepts for post-surgical assessment, aiding in consistent evaluation.
- Further investigation is warranted to validate the scale's efficacy in clinical practice.
