Risk of general anesthesia in pediatric skin procedures: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: The uses of general anesthesia in outpatient invasive procedures have increased, especially in dermatology. Being uncooperative, children often require general anesthesia since surgical skin operations are mostly painful. Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety, significant adverse events, and the complication rates related to general anesthesia when used among pediatric population underwent skin procedures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of a patient chart review from the period (September 1, 2017, to September 2019). All patients admitted for pediatric skin procedures during this period have participated in our study. We reviewed selected charts to document any unexpected admissions, adverse events, or complications. Surgical outcomes and anesthesia complications were reviewed by three anesthesiologists. We assessed inter-rater reliability. Results: A total of 211 procedures were reported for 211 patients with 19 diagnoses. No adverse events related to anesthesia were recognized, apart from minor complications noticed in 12 patients. Kappa value ranges between 0.78 and 1.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.46809–1.00). Conclusion: Dermatologists and pediatricians can safely do necessary procedures under general anesthesia with the supervision of pediatric-trained anesthesiologists while considering other safety and risk precautions and pediatric age group.

Keywords

• adverse events
• complications
• dermatologic surgeries
• general anesthesia
• pediatric