Anesthesia Morbidity and Mortality Experience Among Massachusetts Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Purpose

To document the incidence of specific complications and the mortality rate for office anesthesia administered by fully qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the state of Massachusetts.

Materials and Methods

A survey questionnaire was mailed to the 169 active members of the Massachusetts Society of Oral and Maxilofacial Surgeons. Using a specific method for follow-up, a 100% response was obtained.

Results

The frequency of office anesthetic complications occurring in 2004 were consistent with our previous studies. There was 1 office death, for a mortality rate of 1/1,733,055. The incidence of other specific anesthetic-related complications is documented.

Conclusion

From the data presented here, we conclude that outpatient anesthesia in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office continues to be a safe therapeutic modality.