ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study examined the depth of sedation and the usefulness of the monitoring tool in determining the level of sedation in patients undergoing third molars extraction under conscious sedation with midazolam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty two patients undergoing third molars extraction at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Ewha Womans Mokdong Hospital from February 2010 to April 2010 were analyzed. All patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class I and had no contraindications tosedation. The bispectral index was recorded continually during surgery using a bispectral monitor. The initial sedation was accomplished using a 3 mg bolus of midazolam followed by a 2 mg bolus of midazolam until the level of sedation, at which the patient's eyes were closed or the subject was responsive only to loud or repeated calling of their name, was reached. All subjects were surveyed with a postoperative questionnaire to evaluate the level of sedation. RESULTS: The bispectral index (BIS) decreased approximately 5 minutes after midazolam administration, but increased at the local anesthesia injection and odontomy procedure. The amnestic effect was shown effectively in the early stages of surgery. CONCLUSION: Conscious sedation with intravenous midazolam is effective in achieving the effect of anxiolysis, analgesia and amnesia. The BIS is an objective and useful means of assessing the depth of sedation.