[Investigation of postoperative complications in children after dental therapy under general anesthesia]

This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative complications undergoing dental general anesthesia in children and analyze the prevalence and related factors.

This prospective study involved 292 systematically healthy children (36 to 71 months old) who received extensive dental treatment under general anesthesia. Data about patients' histories, characteristics, dental and anesthesia procedure were collected. Parents or caregivers were interviewed face to face preoperation and 72 h postoperation. Data were analyzed using logistic regression.

Approximately 93.5% of the enrolled children reported one or more complications. The most prevalent complication was postoperative pain, followed by weariness, agitation, problem in eating, drowsiness, oral bleeding, cough, fever, etc. The length of operative time and femininity were the risks of the postoperative pain. Nutrition status was the factor probably in association with fever.

The children receive longer operative time and girls show to be more susceptible to the postoperative pain. High nutrition status could be the protective factor of postoperative fever.