Incomplete oral sanation as a risk factor for elevated leucocytosis and postoperative infection

Abstract

Background: Patients after cardiac surgery are particularly at risk of infections. The oral cavity is a potential source of bacteria.

Aim: To assess of influence of incomplete oral sanation on the probability of occurrence of infection in the postoperative period.

Methods: The study subjects (n = 240) were patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with (n = 185) and without (n = 55) complete oral sanation. Complete oral sanation — patients had treated and eradicated all potential inflammatory foci in the oral cavity. Dental treatment: conservative dental treatment (70%), endodontic treatment (30%), and surgical dental treatment (85%), depending on treatment needs.

Results: Patients with incomplete oral cavity sanation had more infections (7.27% vs. 1.62%, p = 0.062) in the postoperative period. The risk of infection was six times higher compared to the patients with complete sanation (p = 0.042), which correlated with higher level of leucocytosis in the early postoperative period (10.11 vs. 10.96 × 103/μL, p = 0.059).

Conclusions: Incomplete oral sanation is associated with higher levels of leucocytosis and greater risk of infection in the early postoperative period.