Do Patients With Mental Illness Undergoing Office-Based Sedation Require an Increased Propofol Dosage?

BACKGROUND: Providers report needing higher sedative doses to achieve adequate sedation in patients with mental illnesses. These claims, however, have not been thoroughly assessed. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to measure the association between mental illness and the propofol dosage necessary to achieve a satisfactory level of anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: The study consisted of a single-center, retrospective cohort consisting of patients treated by oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in 2020. The study was comprised of subjects 15 or older who were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I or II. Subjects under 15 or ASA III or higher were excluded from the study. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The predictor variable was the presence or absence of mental illness. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome was the total dose of propofol, measured as the total amount of propofol administered divided by the patient's weight in kilograms divided by the length of the procedure in minutes (mg/kg/min). The secondary outcome was the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score achieved during sedation. COVARIATES: Sex, race, ethnicity, age, weight, body mass index, ASA score, prior tobacco use, marijuana use, use of adjunct midazolam, fentanyl, and ketamine during the procedure, and type of procedure served as covariates. ANALYSES: Test statistics were calculated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman rank correlation test, and χ2 test for bivariate analyses. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate association while controlling for confounding. P values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study sample was 409 subjects (36.92% male, mean age 28.27 ± 12.20 years). In bivariate analysis, mental illness did not show any association with propofol dose (mean dose with mental illness 150.85 ± 143.97 mg/kg/min, mean dose without mental illness 116.54 ± 104.16, P = .08) or RASS score (sufficiently sedated with mental illness 63.38%, sufficiently sedated without mental illness 58.80%, P = .36). After adjusting for all previously mentioned covariates, mental illness was statistically associated with propofol dose (P < .01). Adjusting for covariates, only sex had a statistically significant association with the RASS score (P < .05). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The findings suggest that a patient's mental illness may influence the amount of sedative required to achieve satisfactory anesthesia.

What Is the Incidence of Anesthesia-Related Adverse Events in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Offices? A Review of 61,237 Sedation Cases From a Large Private Practice Consortium.

BACKGROUND: The safety of the anesthesia team model performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) offices has been criticized by professional and mainstream media. PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the incidence of adverse anesthetic events (AEs) associated with the OMS anesthesia team model and identify risk factors associated with AEs. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing a patient database from Paradigm Oral Health, Lincoln, Nebraska, a managed service organization (MSO). Subjects included were 14 and older, undergoing open-airway intravenous anesthesia for ambulatory OMS procedures using the OMS anesthesia team model at multiple private practices in the MSO network between June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2022. Exclusion criteria included patients younger than 14 or patients with incomplete medical records. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: Primary predictor variables were age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA) score, type of surgical procedure performed, and the types of medications administered during sedation. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The presence of an AE. The definition of an AE was modeled on the World Society of Intravenous Anesthesia definition. All AEs were identified through surrogate markers, which were identified through chart review. One example of an AE is ventricular fibrillation, which necessitates the application of medications; here the medication is the surrogate marker. COVARIATES: None. ANALYSES: The data were analyzed using t-tests and χ2 tests. P values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Included in the study were 61,237 sedation cases (53.87% female and 46.13% male), for 56,076 unique patients ranging from 14 to 98 years of age (mean 33.26 ± 18.35). An AE incidence of 3 per 100,000 per year (25 total events) was observed. Neither age, sex, ASA score, nor type of surgical procedure exhibited statistically significant associations with AEs. A statistically significant association was found between AEs and fentanyl (P = .0008). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This investigation shows a smaller incidence of AEs than previous studies of the OMS anesthesia team model.

Iontophoresis on Porcine and Human Gingiva.

PURPOSE: Iontophoresis is a noninvasive method that enhances drug delivery using an electric field. This method can improve drug delivery to the tissues in the oral cavity. The effects of iontophoresis on gingival drug delivery have not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the flux enhancement of model permeants across porcine and human gingiva during iontophoresis, (b) examine the transport mechanisms of gingival iontophoresis, and (c) evaluate the potential of iontophoretically enhanced delivery for three model drugs lidocaine, ketorolac, and chlorhexidine. METHODS: Passive and iontophoretic fluxes were determined with porcine and human gingiva using a modified Franz diffusion cell and model drugs and permeants. To investigate the transport mechanisms of iontophoresis, the enhancement from the direct-field effect was determined by positively and negatively charged model permeants. The electroosmosis enhancement effect was determined with neutral permeants of different molecular weight. The alteration of the gingival barrier due to electropermeabilization was evaluated using electrical resistance measurements. RESULTS: Significant flux enhancement was observed during gingival iontophoresis. The direct-field effect was the major mechanism governing the iontophoretic transport of the charged permeants. Electroosmosis was from anode to cathode. The effective pore radius of the iontophoretic transport pathways in the porcine gingiva was ~0.68 nm. Irreversible electropermeabilization was observed after 2 and 4 h of iontophoresis under the conditions studied. CONCLUSION: Iontophoresis could enhance drug delivery and reduce transport lag time, showing promise for gingival drug delivery.

Is Psychiatric Illness Associated With Risk for Postoperative Complications in the Outpatient Setting?

PURPOSE: Little is known about the association between psychiatric illness and the risk for postoperative complications following outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the significance of the presence of psychiatric illness on postoperative complications. MATERIALS/METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in 2018 that identified patients by searching through the University of Cincinnati's electronic health records. The predictor variable in this study is the presence of psychiatric illness and the outcome variable is the presence or absence of postoperative complications. Additional covariates such as age, race, location, procedure type, and anesthesia type were also included. Results of appropriate descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were presented. Statistical significance was set at P value < .05. RESULTS: The total number of patients who underwent procedures involving local anesthetic and intravenous sedition in clinic in 2018 were 3,874, of which 1,588 were males (40.99%) and 2,286 were females (59.01%) with a mean age of 36.14 and 35.08 years, respectively. The sample consisted of White (45.87%), Black (35.34%), Hispanic/Latino (2.27%), Asians (1.60%), other races (3.33%), and 11.59% patients have missing data on race. A psychiatric diagnosis was found in 21.37% patients (n = 828). The percentage of patients with 2 or more psychiatric diagnoses was 5.78% (n = 224). The rate of postoperative was reported as 11.33%. A bivariate logistic regression analysis of postoperative complications as an outcome variable found that postoperative complications were not associated with psychiatric history (Odds ratio = 1.049, 95% confidence interval: 0.825 to 1.333, P value = .695). However, sex (P value = < .0001), surgical procedure (P value = < .0001), and anesthetic technique (P value = < .0001) had statistically significant associations with postoperative complications. Other covariates like race (P value = .5943), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P value = .2539), location (P value = .5323), and multiple psychiatric diagnoses (P value = .7256) were not found to be significantly associated with postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Although our study did show a higher prevalence of psychiatric illnesses in our patient population, it did not show any statistically significant correlation between psychiatric illness and postoperative complications. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications between different Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classes.

Proceedings of the Third American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Anesthesia Patient Safety Conference.

The 3rd Anesthesia Patient Safety Conference of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was held at the Daniel M Laskin Institute for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Education and Innovation at American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois on June 6, 2022. The conference provided a platform to scrutinize collective errors, explore optimal practices, comprehend the concepts and principles of human complacency, assessing the system's capacity to handle deviations from the norm, and contemplate ideas and initiatives to enhance our practice model. These safety conferences are designed to foster collaborative, proactive conversations and understand best practices in safe delivery of anesthetic care to our patients.

Influence of Residency Training Program on Pursuit of Academic Career and Academic Productivity Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of residency training institutions on the pursuit of a career in academic oral and maxillofacial surgery and assess variables associated with academic productivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of full-time academic oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the United States. The primary predictor variable was program of residency training. Secondary predictors included gender, fellowship training, advanced degrees, and private practice affiliation. The primary outcome variable was the number of graduates in a ful-time academic position. Academic productivity (h-index, publication number) was a secondary outcome. Descriptive, logistic and linear regression analyses were computed. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 294 full-time academic OMSs in 82 training programs. The top 10 high-output residency programs were identified and graduates from these programs were more likely to have a medical degree (OR = 1.99, 9% CI: 1.17 - 3.36, p=0.0108), higher h-indices (11.03 vs 7.96, p = 0.0032) and higher number of publications (40.3 vs 25.6, p = 0.003). Faculty characteristics associated with higher h-indices included a medical degree (10.33 vs 7.66, p = 0.0067), PhD (15.23 vs 8.38, p = 0.0002), MPH (17.47 vs 8.66, p = 0.0040) and fellowship training (11.15 vs 7.76, p = 0.0012). There were no significant differences between genders in having a medical degree, completing a subspecialty fellowship, or academic productivity. Female surgeons represented 16.33% of academic OMSs and were more likely to have entered academia more recently based on duration in years of academic appointment (12.48 versus 21.08; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ten programs have trained 29.6% (n = 87) of all full-time academic OMSs. These programs' graduates were more likely to have a medical degree, higher h-indices, and greater number of publications.

What Happens to Full Mouth Extraction Patients? A Retrospective Review of Patient Mortality at an Academic Medical Center.

PURPOSE: When providers are forced to address the growing oral healthcare needs of an aging and sick population, full mouth extractions (FMEs) are often sought as a solution. The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate mortality rates, mortality timeline, and to identify associated risk factors. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. All patients who underwent FMEs at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2019 due to caries or periodontal disease were included. Predictor variables recorded included a medical history, social history, and patient demographics. The main outcome variable was post-FME death, including the elapsed time from procedure to death. Deaths were identified using the National Death Index. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazard models. Deceased FME patients were compared to living FME patients to identify potential risk factors. Mortality risk index was derived from multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: One thousand eight hundred twenty nine patients were included in the study. Nine hundred seventy six were female with a median age of 49 years (interquartile range 38-58). One thousand seven hundred nine were diagnosed with more than 1 comorbidity and 89% were on medicaid or medicare insurance. One hundred seventy patients (9.3%) were identified as deceased as of December 31, 2019. Of those who died, 87 patients were deceased within 2 years of the procedure and 147 within 5 years of the procedure. Statistically significant factors associated with mortality (P value < .01) included age (hazards ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.03), ASA score >3 (HR 3.12, 95% CI 2.2-4.42), nursing home residence (HR 2.66, 95% 1.67-4.28), hepatic disease (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.18-2.78), and oncologic disease (HR 1.91, 95% 1.32-2.77). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 10 patients died within 5 years of FME at our center. These patients may be medically and socially compromised. More research is needed to develop FME-specific mortality indices, which may serve useful for clinical decision-making and surgical palliative care.

A Decade of Complications Following Total Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction (TJR) in a Patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Another Surgical Misadventure or An Absolute Contraindication for TJR?

This report describes an extensive surgical journey for a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) who underwent a total temporomandibular joint reconstruction and illustrates an ongoing challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons treating patients with connective tissue disorders and managing chronic pain symptoms. The surgical team attempted multiple procedures including 2 failed total temporomandibular joint replacements and a myocutaneous vascularized free flap. This case demonstrates the potential for postoperative complications in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Considerations for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in COVID-19 Era: Can We Sustain the Solutions to Keep Our Patients and Healthcare Personnel Safe?

Several uncertainties exist regarding how we will conduct our clinical, didactic, business, and social activities as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic abates and social distancing guidelines are relaxed. We anticipate changes in how we interact with our patients and other providers, how patient workflow is designed, the methods used to conduct our teaching sessions, and how we perform procedures in different clinical settings. The objective of the present report is to review some of the changes to consider in the clinical and academic oral and maxillofacial surgery workflow and, allow for a smoother transition, with less risk to our patients and healthcare personnel. New infection control policies should be strictly enforced and monitored in all clinical and nonclinical settings, with an overall goal to decrease the risk of exposure and transmission. Screening for COVID-19 symptoms, testing when indicated, and establishing the epidemiologic linkage will be crucial to containing and preventing new COVID-19 cases until a vaccine or an alternate solution is available. Additionally, the shortage of essential supplies such as drugs and personal protective equipment, the design and ventilation of workspaces and waiting areas, the increase in overhead costs, and the possible absence of staff, if quarantine is necessary, must be considered. This shift in our workflow and patient care paths will likely continue in the short-term at least through 2021 or the next 12 to 24 months. Thus, we must prioritize surgery, balancing patient preferences and healthcare personnel risks. We have an opportunity now to make changes and embrace telemedicine and other collaborative virtual platforms for teaching and clinical care. It is crucial that we maintain COVID-19 awareness, proper surveillance in our microenvironments, good clinical judgment, and ethical values to continue to deliver high-quality, economical, and accessible patient care.

Contemporary management of an orthodontic-orthognathic patient with limited time availability in an orthodontic office setting: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: This case report describes the treatment of a 21-year-old man who presented in an orthodontic office for treatment but lived in a city 100 miles away and wanted the orthognathic surgery in another state in America. The patient presented with an anterior open bite and skeletal Class III relationship. METHODS: The treatment plan included: (1) effective and careful communication of the treatment plan with the patient, orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon; (2) pre-surgical alignment and levelling of the teeth in both arches with Invisalign; (3) a long-distance communication between the orthodontist and the surgeon for surgical plan with virtual surgical planning (VSP Orthognathics; 3D Systems, www.3Dsystem.com) online; (4) maxillary advancement (LeFort I osteotomy) with mandibular set-back (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy); (5) postsurgical correction of the malocclusion with clear brackets and aligners; and (6) retention and final small tooth movement adjustments with aligners/clear retainers. RESULTS: The anterior open bite was treated, crowding was eliminated in the upper and lower anterior segment, correction of skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion was obtained, mandibular plane angle was reduced and facial profile improved. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that aesthetic and functional results can be achieved with long-distance communication of two specialties and with the combined use of clear aligners and clear fixed appliances.

How Much Noise Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Exposed to?

PURPOSE: A common concern among oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) is progressive hearing loss throughout their careers. Although this has not been critically studied, there could be several factors that contribute to this detriment, including drills, saws, suction, music, and other sounds within the closed operating environment. This study observed the intensity of noise in operating rooms (ORs) and clinical settings during the use of drills, saws, surgical handpieces, and other tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, sound intensities were measured in decibels using a CEM DT-8851 industrial high-accuracy digital sound noise level meter data logger in clinics and ORs. The device measured sound intensities during the entire duration of the procedures. The recorded drilling periods were extracted from the data and t tests were run to determine whether a statistically relevant difference existed between the non-drilling and drilling periods. In addition, the duration during which intensity was greater than or equal to 85 dB was measured. RESULTS: Fifty procedures were recorded in the clinical setting and 50 were recorded in the OR. The results of this study proved that OMSs were indeed exposed to sound intensities in decibels that exceeded Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, but these exposures occurred less than 1% of the time. The maximum recorded intensities in the clinic and OR were during a non-drilling period and these were attributed to suction. CONCLUSION: OSHA guidelines were exceeded in clinical and OR settings, but the results were not relevant. The authors believe this is a very promising study for future endeavors. They found that the threshold set by OSHA was exceeded at points during surgical procedures in the clinic and OR. This will prompt future studies focusing on recordings when suction is used and longitudinal studies of individual OMSs.

Comparison of Direct Laryngoscopy and Video Laryngoscopy in Intubating a Mannequin: Should Video Laryngoscopy Be Available to Manage Airway Emergencies in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Office?

PURPOSE: Video laryngoscopy (VL) is an innovation in tracheal intubation that could be beneficial in an emergency situation. However, the technique could be detrimental if it prolongs intubation performed by an inexperienced physician. The purpose of this study was to compare direct laryngoscopy (DL) with VL skill for oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents and practitioners to assess the practicality of recommending the inclusion of VL as a component of OMS emergency airway management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address the research purpose, the authors designed and implemented a randomized crossover study investigating the performance of OMS residents and practitioners to intubate a mannequin using DL versus VL. The predictor variables were the experience level of the participants and their ability to intubate with DL and with VL. The outcome variables were time to view cords, the Cormack-Lehane glottis view achieved, the time to intubate the mannequin, and the total time for performing laryngoscopy and intubation. Comparisons of laryngoscopy and intubation and resident and practitioner experiences were compared using Cox proportional hazards survival analysis. RESULTS: Data from 22 OMS residents and 26 practitioners were assessed. The comparison outcomes between DL and VL showed that the time to view cords was shorter for VL, the Cormack-Lehane glottis view was better for VL, the time to intubate was shorter for DL, and the total time between techniques was not statistically different. OMS practitioners showed better times than OMS residents and showed adeptness with VL that was comparable to DL. CONCLUSION: The combined findings with OMS residents and practitioners showed comparable total intubating times between DL and VL, which is consistent with what has previously been reported with other medical colleagues.