Title: Safety and effectiveness of propofol sedation for oral surgery procedures
Abstract:
Intravenous propofol is a favourable conscious sedation technique in oral surgery due to is ability to adapt to short or long surgical time. This retrospective cohort study assessed the effectiveness and safety of a propofol sedation service in a dental hospital setting.
A retrospective review of 52 consecutive cases was undertaken. Of the patients included, 36 (69.3%) were female, with a median age of 43 years (range 15–81 years). Twenty (38.5%) were ASA I, 27 (51.9%) ASA II and 5 (9.6%) ASA III. Treatment was completed successfully in 51 cases (98.1%), with one patient requiring rebooking for general anaesthesia. Seventeen patients (32.7%) had a history of failed treatment under local anaesthesia, inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation with midazolam. The median propofol dose was 180 mg (range 47–500 mg), and 19 patients (36.5%) also received midazolam. Median treatment duration was 30 minutes (range 10–70 minutes) and included simple extractions, expose-and-bonds and cyst management.
No serious complications were reported. Minor adverse events included difficult cannulation, pain on infusion, transient anxiety and involuntary arm movements. Propofol sedation appears to be a safe and effective option for oral surgery patients, including those with previous failed sedation experiences.
