title: The use of theatre time for paediatric dentistry under general anaesthesia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this paper was to determine the use of theatre time for all procedures performed under general anaesthetic on a paediatric dental list.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study of paediatric dental general anaesthetic procedures was undertaken at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK. Data were collected prospectively for 71 operating lists over a 3-year period from April 2003 to March 2006. Both operator status and the procedure being undertaken were recorded. In addition, pre-anaesthetic, anaesthetic, operating and disconnection times were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 71 lists examined, 61 either finished early or on time, with a median unused time of 32.50 min (interquartile range = 19.50, 50.00 min), whilst 10 lists finished late with a median overrun time of 30.50 min (interquartile range = 9.25, 45.50 min). Comparing lists which finished late with those which were completed within time, the median pre-anaesthetic time was significantly longer (Mann-Whitney U-test, W = 20.05, P = 0.048). Overall, the theatre was in use for 78.22% of time combining pre-anaesthetic, anaesthetic, operating and disconnection times; hence, there was poor time utilization of theatre for 21.78% of the total theatre time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, 85.9% of theatre sessions for dental procedures under general anaesthetic in children finished early or on time. Where lists finished late, the duration of the pre-anaesthetic time appeared to be the significant factor.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Dental and Oral Health, Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee, UK. jfoley@nhs.net
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Soldani
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002648:Child; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013511:Minor Surgical Procedures; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction