Diclofenac Transdermal Patch: A Potential Ingress to Maxillofacial Surgery

Purpose

To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of a diclofenac transdermal patch with diclofenac intra muscular injection in the immediate postoperative period in patients undergoing major oral surgical procedures.

Materials and Methods

Subjects who underwent bijaw surgeries for surgical correction of various dentofacial deformities were included. Sixty such patients who belonged to the above entity were randomly categorized into two groups from Jan 2012–Aug 2015. Group A (study group) received a single dose of 100 mg transdermal diclofenac patch, Group B (control group) received 75 mg intramuscular diclofenac and tramadol HCl 2 mg/kg body wt was used as rescue analgesic in the immediate post operative phase. The analgesic efficacy of the drugs are evaluated on periodic patient’s perception of pain in the immediate postoperative phase of 2nd, 6th, 12th, 24th and 48 hours.

Results

The mean VAS score in Group A was 2, mean duration of analgesia was 16 h 9 min, and in Group B the mean VAS score was 4, duration of analgesia was 8 h and 4 min. Tramadol HCl was given as rescue analgesia in 22 % (6) of patients belonging to Group A. None of the patients from both the groups reported local complications.

Conclusion

A noninvasive application of a single dose of 100 mg transdermal diclofenac patch is more effective than intramuscular diclofenac (75 mg) in the immediate post operative phase, without any significant side-effects is a novel ingress into the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery for post operative pain management.

     

Factors associated to post-operative nausea and vomiting following oral and maxillofacial surgery: a prospective study

Aim

This study aims to address and assess possible factors associated with nausea and vomiting (NV) following oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Material and methods

A prospective study was carried out in the period from December 2013 to January 2016 targeting all attended cases in that period. For statistical analysis, Pearson chi-square and Fisher tests were used to verify association and ANOVA and Student’s t tests to test for significant difference, p was defined as ≤0.05. The sample group consisted of 207 patients with an average age of 33.56 years (±13.23), and 70.5% of subjects were male.

Results

Calculations based on the predictive model showed that a female patient with prior history of nausea and vomiting who used opioids and had intra-oral surgical access would have a 96% chance of experiencing a nausea and vomiting episode.Other factors like age, being overweight, anesthesia, surgery duration, and duration of hospital stay also contribute so that these aspects must be paid careful attention prior to surgery to ensure a suitably orientated treatment that will avoid disturbances caused by post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion

The occurrence of post-operative nausea and vomiting after oral and maxillofacial surgery was found to be more higher incidence associated to female patients who used opioids, who had a prior history of NV, whose surgery involved intra-oral access, who were in the second or third decades of their lives, who have above average weight, and who have long anesthesia when undergoing surgery, resulting in a long hospital stays.

     

Efficacy of Titanium Mesh Osteosynthesis in Maxillofacial Fractures

Introduction

Trauma is steadily increasing in the modern world and thus becoming a major public problem. Maxillofacial injuries constitute a substantial proportion of cases of trauma and occur in a variety of situations like road traffic accidents, interpersonal violence, falls or as a result of contact sports. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of titanium mesh for osteosynthesis of maxillofacial fractures.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients of maxillofacial fractures who were treated with titanium mesh were included in this prospective study. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively at 7th day, 3rd week, 6th week and 12th week.

Results

The mean age of fifteen patients was 31.3 years with a male:female ratio of 14:1. The most common mode of injury was road traffic accident (86.6%). The mean time interval between injury and surgical procedure was found to be 7.6 days. The majority of fracture sites (88%) were comminuted. 93.3% of the patients achieved good occlusion by 12th week postoperatively. Postoperative complications included residual hypoaesthesia in four patients and wound dehiscence in one patient.

Conclusion

We conclude that titanium mesh is a versatile option for maxillofacial fractures. It provided good stabilization especially in comminuted fractures. As a fixation method, it was quick in placement and highly adaptable, and thus, it proved to be valuable in restoring the form and function in maxillofacial trauma patients.

     

Comparison of intravenous tramadol versus ketorolac in the management of postoperative pain after oral and maxillofacial surgery

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the better postoperative analgesic, tramadol, and ketorolac, in patients with maxillofacial trauma and who had undergone maxillofacial surgery, i.e., open reduction internal fixation, under general anesthesia.

Materials and methods

After taking ethical approval from the institution and informed consent, 46 ASA grade I–II patients were block randomized (ABAB) based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and equally divided into two groups in which one group of patients was given intravenous tramadol 100 mg and another group of patients was given intravenous ketorolac 30 mg at the time of closure of skin and was repeated after 8 and 16 h following surgery. Pain using VAS at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, and 24th postoperative was assessed, and association of results was compared using Cramer’s V test SPSS (Version 22). Vital signs and side effects were recorded.

Results

Although both drugs resulted in significant decrease in pain intensity from the 2nd to 24th postoperative hour, intravenous tramadol always resulted in better pain control than intravenous ketorolac at every postoperative hour (p value <?0.05) except at 2nd hour where changes are non-significant (p value >?0.05).

Conclusion

Apart from first 2 h where the changes are non-significant, this study clearly demonstrates the advantage of the intravenous tramadol in the management of postoperative pain and ease of administration in postoperative patient through IV cannula. The side effects of both the drugs were insignificant and did not have any effect on the result.

     

Assessment of oral cancer pain,anxiety, and quality of life of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with invasive treatment procedure

Purpose

Depending on its stage on diagnosis, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) might cause excruciating pain and decreased quality of life. As for treatment, the treatment of OSCC might vary from chemotherapy to surgery. The objective of the current study was to assess the preoperative and postoperative oral cancer pain, anxiety, and quality of life of OSCC patients with invasive treatment procedure.

Methods

The current study was conducted by interviewing 21 (10 males; 11 females) patients who had been diagnosed with stage 3 and stage 4 OSCC and about to go through surgery at the inpatient ward of Surgical Oncology Department, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. A preoperative and interview was conducted by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QOL)-C30, the shortened EORTC QOL Questionnaire for Oesophageal Cancer (OES)18, the visual analog scale (VAS), and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Oral Cancer Pain Questionnaire. All data were analyzed to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative effect.

Results

The current study showed a significant decrease of the postoperative oral pain (p?<?0.01) and anxiety level (p?<?0.01), while postoperative patient’ quality of life was significantly (p?<?0.01) increased.

Conclusion

Despite of the invasive procedure that might cause postoperative effect, OSCC patients in the current study showed a better quality of life after cancer removal.

     

The Jugaad Technique for Jaw Reconstruction: Denture Based Inverse Planning

Aim

The aim of this clinical paper is to introduce a technique to plan for functional maxillofacial reconstructions.

Materials and Methods

Preoperative dental casts were made of the patient and mock surgery performed on the casts. A fibula analogue was then placed in an ideal functional reconstruction position. New dentures were fabricated on the fibula analogue and drill holes for the placement of implants were placed through the denture. This denture formed as a guide to position the fibula transplant during surgery.

Results

This technique was useful in producing functional and rehabilitative outcomes in cases of both maxillary and mandibular reconstructive surgeries.

Conclusion

The Jugaad technique—denture based inverse planning—is a cost effective method for planning and executing maxillofacial reconstructions using mock surgery on casts and interim dentures.

     

Current status of oral and maxillofacial radiology in West Africa

Background

Oral and maxillofacial radiology became the ninth dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1999. This came about following the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895 and, 14 days later, the application of X-rays to making dental radiographs by Otto Walkhoff. The purpose of this narrative study was to review the evolution of oral and maxillofacial radiology as a dental specialty in the USA and its recognition as a program of training by the West African College of Surgeons.

Methods

This study was conceptualized as a narrative review of the literature focusing on the history and development of oral and maxillofacial radiology in the USA. It builds a synthesis that describes the recognition of oral and maxillofacial radiology as a specialty of dentistry in West Africa, UK, Japan, and Australia.

Results

The main finding was that oral and maxillofacial radiology became the ninth specialty recognized by the American Dental Association, ADA, in October 13, 1999. On March 20, 2014, the West African College of Surgeons recognized this specialty and granted accreditation for postgraduate training. In the UK, Japan, and Australia, the postgraduate education in oral and maxillofacial radiology has two patterns, namely professional training and academic training.

Conclusions

The primary goal of the postgraduate training curriculum is to train radiologists who are competent to deliver care to patients in any clinical setting, including a dental school, hospital radiology practice, or private practice.

     

A Protocol for Management of the Hairs Problem in Oral Cavity Reconstruction by Submental Flap

Background

Submental flap is a useful aid in maxillofacial reconstruction. For intraoral usage the hairs in male patients will create some problems.

Materials and Methods

In a retrospective study, patients in whom submental flap had been used for reconstruction of orofacial region between 2007 and 2013, in the Mashhad University, Ghaem Hospital, were included. The ways in which the problem of hairs was solved in male patients were evaluated.

Results

There were 42 patients in whom submental flap was used for orofacial reconstruction. Sixty percent were males. Three ways had been used for management of intraoral hairs: radiotherapy (9 patients), second surgery (2 patients) and flap de-epithelialization (13 patients).

Conclusion

Deepithelialized variant of submental flap is the best option when submental flap is used for oral cavity reconstruction in male patients. Flap thickness, age, race and postoperative radiotherapy can have strong influence on this strategy.

     

Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Maxillary Sinus,Progressing to Smoldering Multiple Myeloma with Multifocal Skeletal Involvement,which Resolved Completely Following Chemotherapy Alone

Background

The world wide pattern of oral and maxillofacial surgical conditions has rarely been reported despite its significance in ensuring quality of care. A large number of patients are managed surgically in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department of Dhaka Dental College Hospital but there has been no surgical audit to identify the potential problems in patient care.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the pattern of oral and maxillofacial conditions in patients of maxillofacial surgery of Dhaka Dental College Hospital, which would provide valuable information to build up the focus of attention, to develop a future strategy plan, to improve its clinical care and extend the academic and research field.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective survey of oral and maxillofacial surgical cases managed at the inpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dhaka Dental College Hospital. All admitted patients from 1st January, 2012 to 31st December, 2012 were included in this study. The patients’ data were retrieved from the wards registers and patient records. The data were recorded as age, sex, occupation, geographic distribution, diagnosis, treatment done and operation name. These were studied to assess the prevalence of age, sex, diseases and the name of the treatment offered. Analysis of major groups of diagnosis on the basis of age and sex was also studied. Mortality was also recorded.

Results

Between 1st January, 2012 and 31st December, 2012 a total of 768 patients were treated. Among them 494 patients were male while 274 were female, male female ratio was 1.80:1. The majority of the patients were from Dhaka division. The mean age of the patients was 33.20 years; peak age group was 15–30 years. The most common diagnosis was maxillofacial injuries (35 %), followed by oral squamous cell carcinoma (22 %) and odontogenic tumours and hamartomas (11 %). Maxillo-mandibular fixation or wiring was the main modality of treatment. The mortality rate was 0.26 % of total patients.

Conclusions

The department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dhaka Dental College Hospital is a busy centre for specialized maxillofacial services in Bangladesh. A good number of patients with a wide range of oral and maxillofacial surgical conditions are managed here. Maxillofacial injury and oral cancer are the two most common conditions encountered here.

     

Is dipyrone effective as a preemptive analgesic in third molar surgery? A pilot study

Purpose

Studies on preemptive analgesia in maxillofacial surgery have shown several controversial clinical results, mainly due to the absence of a methodological standard, besides a wide variety of studied drugs. This study intended to answer the following hypothesis: Is the administration of dipyrone preemptively capable of decreasing trans- and postoperative pain in the third molar surgical extraction?

Methods

A pilot prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study was carried out with 25 patients submitted to the third molar surgical extraction at two moments, one side in each intervention. Dipyrone (1 g) was preemptively administered (study group) for the extraction of two third molars on the same side and, in a second surgical procedure, dipyrone (1 g) was administered in the immediate postoperative period (control group). Evaluated variables were the amount of anesthetic, pain perceived through the visual analogue scale (VAS) in transoperative and immediate postoperative periods, and over 12-h investigation period, analgesic consumption, duration of surgery, and time to rescue analgesia.

Results

The results were submitted to Student’s t test and statistical differences were observed in transoperative (p?<?0.05) and immediate postoperative (p?<?0.01) periods, while the other studied variables did not present statistical differences.

Conclusion

The preemptive administration of dipyrone decreased the perception of transoperative and immediate postoperative pain when compared to its use after surgery only.

     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in oral and maxillofacial lesions: preliminary study on diagnostic ability of apparent diffusion coefficient maps

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in oral and maxillofacial lesions, especially the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for differential diagnosis of these lesions.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial lesions were included in this prospective study. DWI was performed on a 1.5 T unit with b-factors of 0 and 800 s/mm², and ADC maps were generated. ADC values were measured for all 57 oral and maxillofacial lesions (19 squamous cell carcinoma, 10 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, 6 odontogenic abscess, 4 ranula, 4 osteoradionecrosis, 4 hemangioma, 3 pleomorphic adenoma, 3 odontogenic keratocyst, 2 nasopalatine duct cyst, 1 malignant melanoma, and 1 basal cell carcinoma).

Results

The mean ADC values for ranula (2.69 ± 0.59 × 10^?3 mm²/s) and nasopalatine duct cyst (2.34 ± 0.12 × 10^?3 mm²/s) were significantly higher than those for the other oral and maxillofacial lesions (p = 0.000). In contrast, the mean ADC value for odontogenic abscess (0.67 ± 0.36 × 10^?3 mm²/s) was significantly lower than those for the other oral and maxillofacial lesions (p = 0.000).

Conclusions

The present study suggests the usefulness of DWI in oral and maxillofacial lesions, especially the utility of ADC maps for differential diagnosis of these lesions.

     

Postural assessment in class III patients before and after orthognathic surgery

Purpose

This study aimed to assess body posture before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery by photogrammetry in skeletal class III patients.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with skeletal class III dentofacial deformities (14 men, 17 women) who underwent orthodontic preparation for surgery were included in this non-randomized controlled trial. Of these, 15 who did not undergo orthognathic surgery during the period of this study served as controls. Postural assessment was performed by photogrammetry using SAPO® (Postural Assessment Software) based on anterior-, posterior-, and lateral-view images taken 1 month before and 4 months after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with internal rigid fixation (or 4 months after the initial assessment, for the control group). The study was approved by PUCRS Research Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all individual participants prior to their inclusion in the study.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups for age, gender, and GAP. In the intervention group, the right leg/hindfoot angle, which initially indicated a valgus deformity, normalized after intervention (P?<?0.048). Posterior displacement of the head (P?<?0.005) and trunk (P?<?0.004) were observed after intervention.

Conclusions

These results suggest that correction of class III dentofacial deformities by bimaxillary orthognathic surgery can produce systemic postural adjustments, especially posterior displacement of the head and trunk and knee and ankle valgus.

     

Prevalence of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients who underwent orthognathic surgery

Purpose

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is the body’s response to an insult, such as infection, trauma, burn, and surgical stress linked to several factors deemed potential for multiple organ failure if left untreated. Thus, the aim of this paper was a prospective study to examine the incidence of SIRS in postoperative patients who underwent orthognathic surgery from June/2013 to July/2016.

Methods

The sample consisted of 80 patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, with data on vital signs and white blood cell count collected preoperatively, and the same data collected in the immediate postoperative period, in addition to CO₂ pressure in arterial blood by blood gas analysis. The data were tabulated and cases of SIRS (2 or more signs out of four pre-set signs) were identified within 24 h after surgery.

Results

From the sample of 80 patients, 26 (32.5% of total) patients had SIRS with higher incidence in females who are 40 years old.

Conclusion

The incidence of patients who develop SIRS after orthognathic surgery is relatively high and we should pay attention to the possible complications that these cases can evolve.

     

A preliminary study on plasma concentration achieved following intrapterygomandibular space injection of dexamethasone as a route of drug delivery with lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block–correlation of clinical effects

Purpose

To determine the quantity of dexamethasone plasma concentration achieved following intrapterygomandibular space injection of dexamethasone when co-administered with inferior alveolar nerve block correlating with the clinical effects in the postoperative phase.

Objective

A preliminary prospective study to evaluate the dexamethasone plasma concentration achieved following intrapterygomandibular space injection of dexamethasone with 2% lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block to achieve hemi-mandibular anesthesia for minor oral surgical procedures and derive clinical correlations.

Background

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid, chiefly used for the management of postsurgical sequelae like trismus and swelling in maxillofacial surgical practice. Conventionally, parenteral dexamethasone is administered via intravenous or intramuscular route. Intrapterygomandibular space injection is a novel route of steroid delivery described in literature. For minor oral surgical procedures in maxillofacial surgical practice requiring inferior alveolar nerve block, dexamethasone can be administered along with local anesthetic through a single injection as a mixture (twin mix).

Methods

Prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluative plasma concentration of dexamethasone achieved following injection of a freshly prepared mixture of 1.8 ml of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:200000) and 1 ml (4 mg) dexamethasone [2.8 ml solution of twin mix] in the pterygomandibular space. The 30 candidates included for the trial were randomly split into three study groups (ten each)—(1) control group (C); (2) intramuscular group (IM); (3) intraspace group (IS).

Results

The mean plasma dexamethasone concentration at 30 min postinjection in group IM was 226.41?±?48.67 ng/ml and for IS group it was 209.67?±?88.13 ng/ml. Post hoc (Bonferroni-Holm test) intergroup comparison for plasma dexamethasone concentration (IM and IS) was found statistically insignificant (P?=?0.605).

Conclusion

Intraspace route of drug administration can be utilized to deliver dexamethasonized local anesthetics safely with predictable clinical effects in the patients requiring mandibular minor oral surgery under local anesthesia.

     

Angioembolisation in Maxillofacial Trauma: An Initial Experience in a Tertiary Care Center

Purpose

To analyze the safety, efficacy and outcome of angio-embolization in the management of refractory oro-nasal bleeding in patients of severe maxillofacial trauma.

Materials and Methods

It was a retrospective analysis of 21 patients who were managed by angio-embolisation to control refractory oro-nasal bleeding in severe maxillofacial trauma from December 2010 to December 2013. The patient population included 19 males and 2 females and the age ranged from 16 to 55 years (mean age of 29.6 years). Gelfoam pledgets and coils were used as embolising agents in branches of external carotid arteries. Embolising coils were preferably used to block actively bleeding vessels on angiography.

Results

Road traffic accidents were the etiology in 17 patients and fall from height (two), assault (one) and gunshot injury (one) in the rest. Twelve (52 %) patients showed active contrast extravasation on angiography. Active arterial bleeding was observed from branches of internal maxillary [11], facial [2] and lingual arteries [4]. Gel foam embolisation alone was done in 16 patients, coil embolisation alone in two patients and both coil and gel foam embolisation in three patients. The procedures were technically successful in twenty (95 %) patients. None of the patients had procedure related complications. Nine patients (42 %) succumbed to their associated injuries later, in which five patients had severe head injuries and four patients had history of hemorrhagic shock and cardiac arrest prior to the procedure.

Conclusion

Angio-embolisation is a safe and effective technique in managing intractable bleeding in maxillofacial injuries.

     

Treatment Strategies in the Management of Maxillofacial Ballistic Injuries in Low-Intensity Conflict Scenarios

Introduction

The facial disfigurement and functional debility resulting from craniomaxillofacial injuries in low-intensity conflict scenarios can physically and psychologically traumatize the afflicted personnel. Efficient and definitive management, with complete esthetic restoration and functional rehabilitation, is not only an organizational obligation, but also a tactical necessity to maintain a high state of morale among the troops. There exist two schools of thought on principles of management of such injuries. The older, three-phased approach consists of initial debridement and suturing, followed by conservative closed reduction in maxillofacial fractures using splints and ligatures, thereafter followed by delayed repair and late reconstruction of residual bone defects and deformities after the soft tissue healing is complete. The newer trend involves early and aggressive open surgical reduction and craniomaxillofacial fixation techniques along with reconstructive procedures carried out hand in hand with the soft tissue debridement and closure.

Aim

The aim was to compare the efficacy of the two management protocols, namely the contemporary approach of early aggressive surgical intervention, versus the conservative approach of initial debridement, closed reduction and delayed repair, as the definitive treatment modality of maxillofacial injuries sustained in low-intensity conflicts.

Methods

This retrospective analytical study included 40 patients with maxillofacial injuries sustained in combat scenarios treated over a period of 3 years. These patients who had been treated for ballistic maxillofacial injuries were divided into two groups: The first group of 20 patients (Group 1) included those who had undergone an early, aggressive, surgical intervention, and the second group of 20 patients (Group 2) included those who had undergone resuscitation and primary soft tissue closure followed by conservative, closed reduction techniques, delayed repair (including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedures), and late reconstruction of bone soft tissue defects (which included utilization of various grafts and flaps). Both groups were evaluated and compared for postoperative recovery and early and late complications such as impaired esthetic results and impaired functional recovery.

Results

Early, definitive, and aggressive maxillofacial surgical techniques proved superior to the conservative approach by bringing about primary bone healing and minimizing residual deformities and subsequent scar contractures, thus yielding improved functional as well as superior esthetic outcomes.

Conclusion

In today’s low-intensity conflict scenario, the emphasis in management of maxillofacial injury victims should be on an early, definitive, and aggressive surgical repair and reconstruction of the facial skeleton, thus restoring quality of life to these soldiers, sparing them life-long indignity after a potentially severe esthetically and functionally debilitating injury.

     

Systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the proportion of maxillofacial trauma resulting from different etiologies among children and adolescents

Purpose

This study aimed to determine via systematic review and meta-analysis the proportion of maxillofacial trauma resulting from different etiologies among children and adolescents.

Methods

A systematic review of articles published from 2006 to 2015 (10 years) in English language was performed. The following databases were used: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Observational studies reporting the number of children and/or adolescents who suffered maxillofacial trauma resulting from different etiologies were included. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers (Kappa = 0.737). A proportion meta-analysis using random-effect models was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Der-Simonian and Laird weights. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I ² statistics.

Results

A total of 27 studies remained after qualitative analysis including 402,339 patients. The male/female ratio ranged from 1.5:1 to 3.5:1. Road traffic accidents corresponded to the main etiology agent of maxillofacial trauma (34%; 95% CI, 25–44), followed by falls (31%; 95% CI, 25–37), violence (11%; 95% CI, 4–19), sports (4%; 95% CI, 3–5), and others (5%; 95% CI, 2–8). Heterogeneity among studies was high, even stratifying by world region. The adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies showed an intermediate score for most of the included studies.

Conclusions

Results suggest that road traffic accidents represent the main cause of maxillofacial trauma among children and adolescents. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity.

     

Quest for an Ideal Route of Intubation for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Manoeuvres

Purpose

The optimal route of intubation that may be planned for different oral and maxillofacial surgical manoeuvres.

Materials and Methods

A study was performed on patients who underwent nasal, oral or submental route of intubation for elective oral and maxillofacial surgery under general anaesthesia. The study variables were the anaesthetic and surgeon factors that should be taken into consideration before intubation and during surgery, and also algorithms for uneventful surgical procedures. The outcome variables were influence of the ‘route of intubation’ on ‘surgical technique’ and vice versa. Overall results were compiled, tabulated and analysed using SPSS version 14.0.

Results

The study sample comprised of 634 patients. It was found that 35 % (204) nasal, 7.5 % (4) oral and 0 % submental route of intubation had statistically significant influence on oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and vice versa (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This present study concluded that the surgical access and visibility was immensely improved by following the anaesthetic and surgeon factors in conjunction with algorithms described for uneventful oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. Further, this has also substantially minimized the influence of the ‘route of intubation’ on ‘surgical technique’ and vice versa.

     

A nationwide survey of undergraduate training in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Purpose

To investigate the current status of undergraduate training in oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgery in Germany using a nationwide survey and hence contribute to an educational improvement in the field.

Methods

A 39-item questionnaire was sent to all university clinics with an OMF surgery chair in Germany (n?=?34).

Results

Ninety-two percent of OMF clinics are involved in the curricular training in medicine and 100% in dentistry. Eighty-one percent of OMF clinics perform curricular examinations and, respectively, 86% in dentistry. Examinations are mainly performed written with multiple-choice tests (62% medicine, 76% dentistry) and using non-structured oral examinations (57% medicine, 86% dentistry). Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are only used in 19% of all faculties.

Conclusion

OMF surgery with its involvement both in medical and dental education has a special position as a surgical discipline. Our results show that OMF as a specialty is underrepresented in dental and especially in medical education considering the numerical and health economic importance of OMF consultations. Enhancing curricular integration and developing more structured examination forms is necessary to guarantee a high quality of OMF education.