Propofol induction and maintenance with nitrous oxide in paediatric outpatient dental anaesthesia

Abstract

Intravenous induction of anaesthesia with propofol (3.5 mg/kg) and maintenance boluses (1 mg/kg), with 30% oxygen and 70% nitrous oxide, were compared with intravenous thiopentone induction (5 mg/kg) followed by 30% oxygen and 70% nitrous oxide, supplemented with 2 to 3% halothane in children aged 2-11 years who underwent dental extractions. Both techniques were found to be acceptable in clinical practice. Recovery from anaesthesia was assessed by the time taken to reach clinically-defined milestones. Times to open eyes, give name, stand unaided, and time to discharge were all 3 to 7 minutes shorter in those who had the propofol technique compared with those who had thiopentone-halothane (p less than 0.05). These indices of recovery were more sensitive than the Steward score.