Features of Anestesia Provision in Maxillo-Facial Surgery in Patients With Complicated Medical History

Abstract

Currently, the problem of chronic alcoholism affects all segments of the population in the whole world. Providing dental care to patients suffering from this pathology is a complex task that requires a comprehensive approach. Alcohol and its metabolites have a negative effect on the condition of the oral cavity. The incidence of leukoplakia, erythroplakia, glossitis, caries, periodontitis and carcinoma of the oral cavity is several times higher in drinkers compared to non-drinkers. This is associated with several factors. Most alcoholic beverages have chemical properties which can be damaging to the tooth enamel and mucous membranes. Vomiting can create a destructive acidic environment in the mouth. Metabolites of ethyl alcohol, like acetaldehyde, can also damage the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and affect its microbiome. Acetaldehyde is also a known carcinogen, and it contributes to the development of oral cancer. Acute alcohol intoxication provokes systemic inflammation response, while the immune system is compromised and cannot react adequately to the infection. Moreover, alcoholism impacts personality, which leads to the changes in eating habits and deterioration of personal hygiene – both are the factors which eventually affect oral health. Somatic diseases often occur in alcohol-dependent persons, and can also manifest in lesions of the oral cavity. Functional and morphological disorders of various organs, systems and metabolism in patients create problems not only in the treatment of dental pathology, but also in anesthesia. Alcohol-induced personality changes hinder the development of positive and healthy doctor-patient relationships. Disorders of the cardiovascular and nervous systems need adjustment of the dosage and selection of drugs. Liver dysfunction may lead to hypocoagulation and facilitate serious peri- and postoperative bleeding and hemorrhage. All these changes require appropriate correction in the perioperative period: such patients need careful monitoring and management of delirium, potential withdrawal syndrome, cardiovascular dysfunction and coagulation disorders. Both acute alcohol intoxication and chronic alcoholism significantly alter the metabolism of inhaled and intravenous anesthetics, opioids, and other drugs used for anesthesia. Doses of anesthesia drugs should be reduced in case of acute alcohol intoxication and adjusted during elective procedures, taking into account the fact that in chronic alcoholism, a cross-tolerance forms between alcohol and most of the drugs used for anesthesia. Acetaminophen dose should be adjusted, considering impaired lived function. Tolerance to hypoxia is usually decreased. Also, such patients are at high risk for regurgitation and aspiration, and have an increased acidity of the gastric contents. Regional anesthesia and analgesia in such patients also have their own features, because such patients tend to have a combination of decreased sensitivity to local anesthetic with a compromised cardiovascular function and increased rate of side effects, which makes choosing a correct dose a challenge. Pre-medication plays a significant role in reducing anxiety and intoxication symptoms. Recovery period may be complicated by alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Healthcare professionals’ awareness of the pathophysiology of chronic alcoholism, timely treatment and promotion of patients' abstinence from alcohol consumption can reduce the number of complications and mortality in dental patients.