Comparative randomized study of propofol target-controlled infusion versus sevoflurane anesthesia for third molar extraction

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare hemodynamic and recovery characteristics of total intravenous anesthesia using propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) versus sevoflurane for extraction of four third molar teeth. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing extraction of four third molar teeth under general anesthesia were randomized to one of two groups. Group 1 received propofol TCI-oxygen for induction and propofol TCI-oxygen-air for maintenance. Group II received a propofol bolus of 2 mg/kg for induction and sevoflurane-oxygen-air for maintenance. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), operating time, time to emergence, nausea and vomiting, and sedation and pain scores were measured in each group. RESULTS: Demographic data, including age, gender, weight, and height, were not significantly different between the two groups. The MAP was significantly higher after intubation (P = 0.007) and injection of anesthesia (P = 0.004) in the propofol group than in the sevoflurane group, with significant reflex bradycardia (P = 0.028). The mean time to emergence from anesthesia using propofol was 25 s shorter than that of sevoflurane (P = 0.02). Postoperatively, the propofol group was less sedated than the sevoflurane group at 30 min (0.02 versus 0.12), but this difference was not significant (P = 0.065). CONCLUSION: Both propofol TCI and sevoflurane are good alternatives for induction and maintenance of anesthesia for short day-case surgery. However, propofol TCI does not blunt the hemodynamic response to sudden, severe stimuli as strongly as sevoflurane, and this limitation may be a cause for concern in patients with cardiac comorbidities.

Comparative study of analgesia with bupivacaine 0.25% versus 0.5% for third molar removal under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and duration of action of two concentrations of bupivacaine with adrenaline for postoperative pain in patients undergoing surgical removal of four third molars under general anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing surgical removal of four wisdom teeth received bupivacaine 0.5% (n = 30) or 0.25% (n = 30). The severity of pain in the immediate recovery period and at 2 and 24 h after surgery was recorded using the visual analogue scale. Differences were assessed by box and whisper plot and the Student's t-test. RESULTS: The analgesic effects of the 0.25% and 0.5% doses were significantly different (P = 0.022) at 30 min after surgery but not after 2 and 24 h. The difference of mean of 0.25% and 0.5% was much higher after 0.5 h but less after 2 and 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine 0.5% was statistically better for pain control during the immediate postoperative period, but there was no significant difference in pain control between the two dose strengths at 2 and 24 h after surgery.

Comparative study of analgesia with bupivacaine 0.25% versus 0.5% for third molar removal under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and duration of action of two concentrations of bupivacaine with adrenaline for postoperative pain in patients undergoing surgical removal of four third molars under general anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing surgical removal of four wisdom teeth received bupivacaine 0.5% (n = 30) or 0.25% (n = 30). The severity of pain in the immediate recovery period and at 2 and 24 h after surgery was recorded using the visual analogue scale. Differences were assessed by box and whisper plot and the Student's t-test. RESULTS: The analgesic effects of the 0.25% and 0.5% doses were significantly different (P = 0.022) at 30 min after surgery but not after 2 and 24 h. The difference of mean of 0.25% and 0.5% was much higher after 0.5 h but less after 2 and 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine 0.5% was statistically better for pain control during the immediate postoperative period, but there was no significant difference in pain control between the two dose strengths at 2 and 24 h after surgery.