Abstract
Readers are encouraged to submit clinical experiences, good and bad, in a culture of open reporting, so that other clinicians will learn from these experiences. Unlike articles in
Article
A male patient in his mid 50s attended for routine extraction of the UL3. His medical history included: diabetes; MRSA-related skin infections; and arthritis. He transferred from his wheelchair to the dental chair. I extracted the UL3, haemostasis was observed, and post-operative instructions were given. The patient transferred back to his wheelchair and left the surgery.
The following morning the patient's wife called the practice saying that the patient was unwell and had a swelling which had closed his eye. However, I was working elsewhere and did not receive the message until later. I called back as soon as I heard, but was told that he was very unwell and semi-conscious. I rang 999 and requested an ambulance, explaining that there was a serious problem. I then phoned the Oral Surgery Department, explaining the situation, and requested them to attend at A&E.
The patient was admitted through A&E direct to ICU. I attended at ICU immediately after afternoon surgery and was told that the patient was unconscious and was receiving IV antibiotics. I met with the patient's wife and explained that this was an extremely unusual extreme infection subsequent to the extraction. She was very distressed.
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