Published online Aug 16, 2023. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v15.i8.518
Peer-review started: March 21, 2023
First decision: April 21, 2023
Revised: May 22, 2023
Accepted: July 6, 2023
Article in press: July 6, 2023
Published online: August 16, 2023
Dental injury is the leading cause of litigation in anaesthesia but an underrecognized preventable complication of endoscopy.
To determine frequency and effects of dental injury in endoscopy, we present findings from an audit of outpatient endoscopy procedures conducted at a tertiary university hospital and a systematic review of literature.
Retrospective review of 11265 outpatient upper endoscopy procedures over the period of 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2021 identified dental related complications in 0.284% of procedures. Review of literature identified a similar rate of 0.33%.
Pre-existing dental pathology or the presence of prostheses makes damage more likely but sound teeth may be affected. Pre-endoscopic history and tooth exami
Dental complications occur in approximately 1 in 300 of upper endoscopy cases. These are easily preventable by pre-endoscopy screening. Protocols to mitigate dental injury are also suggested.
Core Tip: Peri-intubation dental injury is a leading cause of litigation in endoscopy, and its complications are largely prevented with sufficient foreknowledge and counselling. We summarize findings from an audit of dental injury on endoscopy as well as review relevant literature to guide identification, mitigation and management of peri-endoscopic dental trauma.