A 7-year-old boy died tragically in a dentist’s office, apparently from over-anaesthesia. According to court records, the minor died during a dental procedure.
The victim went to the studio with his father to be treated for a severe toothache, for which he was assisted for surgery. During this process, the dentist gave him anesthesia to perform the procedure.
After the surgery, the professional noticed that the child didn’t react, didn’t wake up. As a matter of urgency, the minor’s father transferred him with his means to a local medical center. However, the boy was already dead.
The dramatic situation occurred in the neighborhood of Santa María Magdalena, in Mexico. In response to the complaint, the local police raided the studio of the professional, who was arrested on charges of manslaughter.
It is not clear what the cause of the child’s death was, nor were there any risk factors that could have triggered the tragic end.
The risks of anesthesia
Anesthesia is generally very safe. Complications are rare and are more related to the patient’s physical condition and the difficulty of the surgical procedure than to the anesthesia itself.
Patients who are smokers, obese, have high blood pressure, are diabetic, drink alcohol regularly, have heart, respiratory or kidney disease are most likely to experience complications.
Before the operation, the anesthetist will evaluate in a pre-anesthetic consultation the possible risks that each patient presents due to his characteristics, to take them into account at the time of the operation and minimize them.
Side effects
Nausea and vomit. It is a common side effect, which can occur within the first postoperative days.
Burning throat. Caused by the placement of a tube in the trachea to allow for ventilation.
Confusion. The patient may be disoriented and confused upon awakening from surgery, especially in elderly patients, and usually lasts a few days.
Muscle aches. If medications were used to relax muscles.
Chills and hypothermia: Anesthesia produces a drop in temperature in the patient and may exhibit these effects in the postoperative period.
Source: Clarin
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.