An audit of single drug (propofol) dental general anaesthesia in children.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe the (dis)advantages of intravenous single drug anaesthesia (IVA) using the target- controlled infusion of propofol in order to validate a protocol. The treatments were performed in two secondary dental care clinics in Amsterdam.

METHODS

Retrospective study of the anaesthetic reports and medical history of 950 patients treated were screened for any irregularities and medical problems.

RESULTS

Most children treated were in the age group 2-5 years, time needed to wake up decreased significantly with age. Fourteen children dropped out of the planned IVA treatment because of medical reasons, 12 of whom were treated under general anaesthesia (GA). A further 26 were treated under GA because of convenience reasons. Total number of medical problems prior to treatment was 45 and mild complications were 42.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a low morbidity in patients treated. The method seems to be successful in young children and creates an increase of treatment capacity in the field of special dental care. Preoperative screening is necessary, on paper and after consultation of a specialist. However blood test screening for allergies seem to be questionable. The treatment method is not possible without the presence of the anaesthesiologist and his team.