A comparison of propofol with methohexital and isoflurane in two general anesthetic techniques.

Author(s): Werner ME, Bach DE, Newhouse RF

Affiliation(s): Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, HI.

Publication date & source: 1993-10, J Oral Maxillofac Surg., 51(10):1076-9

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to compare two general anesthetic techniques involving oral intubation for use in outpatient third molar surgery. Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 received methohexital, isoflurane, nitrous oxide, and alfentanil, while group 2 received propofol, alfentanil, and nitrous oxide. An analysis of the results showed that although the technique used in group 2 cost more, had a slightly longer induction time, and produced a similar duration of apnea, it did not cause significant hypotension (as previously reported), and had a significantly better overall recovery. It was concluded that the use of propofol in the outpatient surgery setting may be a valuable addition to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon's anesthetic armamentarium.