Observational study of perioperative behavior changes in children having teeth extracted under general anesthesia

Abstract

Background Perioperative behavioral disturbance is common in children. Negative behavior changes may be seen during induction of anesthesia, during recovery and following discharge home. There has been little research on this subject in the UK. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of behavioral changes within our institution and identify which children are at increased risk. Methods A prospective observational study of healthy children aged two to 12 undergoing elective dental extractions under general anesthesia. Assessments included: the child's and parent's state anxiety; anxiety and behavior during induction of anesthesia (modified Yale preoperative anxiety sca..