Propofol as sole agent for paediatric day-case dental surgery. A randomised study comparing an intravenous propofol infusion with 100% inspired oxygen versus a nitrous oxide/oxygen/halothane maintenance technique.

Abstract

After intravenous induction of anaesthesia with propofol (4 mg.kg-1) 80 unpremedicated children admitted for day-case dental extractions were randomly allocated to receive either an intravenous propofol infusion whilst breathing 100% oxygen, or inhalational nitrous oxide, oxygen and halothane for maintenance of anaesthesia. In both groups, the quality of anaesthesia was acceptable to both anaesthetist and surgeon. Recovery times and postoperative analgesia requirements did not differ significantly between the two groups. No child vomited. Propofol appears to be suitable for use as a sole agent in paediatric day case dental surgery.