1978 anesthesia morbidity and mortality survey: Southern California Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The morbidity and mortality experience with outpatient general anesthesia of the Southern California Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was surveyed for a second five-year period. One hundred percent of the active members responded with data on educational background, time in practice, and equipment and drugs in use, as well as with morbidity and mortality data. No deaths resulting from anesthetics were reported during this survey period. The decreasing occurrence of problems is attributed to improved training, careful monitoring of patients, and preparation for anesthesia emergencies through mandatory in-office peer evaluation.