A 10-Year Retrospective Study in a Public Referral Service

Objective:  To investigate the profile of people with disabilities, factors related to referral for general anesthesia (GA), dental procedures performed under hospital care, and return to specialized outpatient follow-up in Curitiba, Brazil.

Material and Methods:  This retrospective study analyzed electronic records from individuals treated through the Amigo Especial Program between 2009 and 2019. Variables included age, gender, baseline diagnosis, use and type of protective stabilization, reasons for GA referral, hospital dental procedures, and return to outpatient care. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, and binomial logistic regression were performed.

Results:  A total of 657 records were reviewed, and 119 patients (18%) were referred for GA. The most frequent age group was 22-40 years, predominantly male, and without a recorded baseline diagnosis. Protective stabilization was used in 44% (n=286) of the total sample and had previously been used in 71% (n=84) of those referred for GA. The main reason for referral was the risk of injury to patients and professionals. Tooth extraction was the most frequent procedure. Among those treated under GA, 74% (n=88) returned for outpatient follow-up. Additionally, 55 individuals required a new referral due to failure to complete treatment in the outpatient setting.

Conclusion:  The patient profile consisted mainly of adult males without a diagnosis. Protective stabilization was common before GA. Surgical procedures were frequent, and most patients returned for follow-up.

Keywords:
Dental Health Service; Persons with Disabilities; Anesthesia; General.