Abstract
Introduction
A significant aspect of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery workload relates to trauma, particularly soft-tissue injuries. Contingent on the aetiology of injury, facial wounds require debridement and rapid closure to reduce risk of infection and degree of scarring. The aim was to identify possible risks and frequency of postoperative complications, including problems identified by patients following treatment of facial injuries by the Maxillofacial on-call team.
Method
Data was retrospectively collected from patients who sustained soft-tissue facial injuries treated by the Maxillofacial team and provided with follow-up appointments from January to August 2020. Computerised clinical notes were accessed to determine patient demographics, mechanism and site of injury, location and time of repair, operator grade and postoperative complications (if any).
Results
153 patients required debridement and suturing of a facial injury under local or general anaesthetic. Among these, the male to female ratio was 65:35. 47% of facial injuries resulted from mechanical fall. Lips were found to be the most common site (31%) of injury. Postoperative complication rate was 8% within the 8-month period, with reports of infection, wound dehiscence and haematoma requiring further treatment. 58% of complications resulted from treatment carried out between 5pm-5am with a sole operator (DCT/SHO). 83% of complications followed treatment carried out within the Emergency Department rather than Maxillofacial clinical setting.
Conclusion
Following facial injury repair, just less than 8% of patients experienced complications, which required corrective treatment. Although facial injuries require immediate care, careful planning and performing treatment in a specialised setup may improve perioperative care, thus clinical outcomes.
A 2-year retrospective analysis of facial injuries in patients treated at department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, IGGDC, Jammu, India
