Safety, Efficacy And Satisfaction Among Surgeons And Patients Of Propofol Only For Procedural Sedation During The Extraction Of Third Molars

Abstract

Propofol has been gaining increased attention as a sole agent in providing procedural sedation due to its predictable pharmacokinetics and favorable amnestic properties. Oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures are unique in duration and concomitant use of local anesthesia making it difficult to evaluate data obtained from other specialties. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy and satisfaction among surgeons and patients using propofol only, for procedural sedation during the extraction of third molars. Propofol 10mg/ml was administered using an induction dose of 0.5 to 1mg/kg over 60 seconds followed by bolus doses of 10 – 20mg every minute to achieve a Ramsay sedation score of at least 3. Respiratory compromise was identified in 15% of patients. Hemodynamic compromise was identified in 15%. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was high however propofol does not represent the ideal drug as a sole agent for procedural sedation in oral surgery due to the frequent need for hand restraint (40%).