"Too much information with little meaning," relevance of preoperative laboratory testing in elective oral and maxillofacial surgeries: A systematic integrative review

Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Jan-Jun;11(1):3-9. doi: 10.4103/njms.NJMS_60_19. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Abstract

Aim: In the recent times due to accessibility of tools and advent of technology advising battery of laboratory tests prior to any electeve surgical procedure has become a norm. This review aims at investigating relevance of such tests in healthy patients undergoing routine elective oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.

Methods: Various search engines were thoroughly searched to identify relevant literature. The population of interest was asymptomatic adults above 18 years of age undergoing elective surgery.

Results: The preoperative tests of interest for the current study included complete blood count, coagulation tests, biochemistry, and chest X-rays. An algorithm for preoperative tests has been proposed.

Conclusion: We conclude that advising battery of routine tests in such patients leads to further delays and rise in overall cost of the surgery.

Keywords: Dentoalveolar; elective surgeries; guidelines for preoperative evaluations; maxillofacial surgeries; preanesthetic preparations; preoperative laboratory investigations.

Publication types

  • Review