• Jirawan Jirakijja M.D.
• Vacharee Changsirivatanathamrong D.D.S., M.S.D.
• Kobsuke Sombatpium D.D.S.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol intravenous infusion for conscious sedation
in outpatients undergoing minor oral surgery in the Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn
University.

Materials and methods Fifty ASA physical status I or II patients, aged between 12 and 77 years,
scheduled for minor oral surgery under local anesthesia were entered into the study. Intravenous
sedation was accomplished by using propofol initial bolus of 0.75-1 mg/kg followed by the continuous
infusion at a rate of 3 mg/kg/hr. The infusion rate was titrated to achieve and maintain an appropriate
level of sedation. Vital signs: heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and EKG
were continuously monitored. The quality of sedation, degree of amnesia and patientsû satisfaction as
well as the occurrence of side effects were assessed.

Result The mean (SD) propofol intravenous bolus dose was 51.52 (11.35) mg (range 21-75 mg).
The mean (SD) propofol infusion rate was 3.16 (0.58) mg/kg/hr (range 2.24-4.67 mg/kg/hr).
The mean (SD) duration of sedation was 72.43 (32.03) minutes (range 17-150 minutes). The quality
of sedation was assessed by the surgeons as satisfied 84% and adequate 16%. Number of patients
reporting complete amnesia during injection of local anesthetics was 54%. There were no serious
cardiovascular side effects, however, significant respiratory depression occurring after bolus propofol
injection developed in one patient. Additional undesirable effects were pain during injection, increased
talkativeness, pruritus and headache.

Conclusion The continuous intravenous infusion of propofol may be an alternative to intravenous
midazolam or nitrous oxide/oxygen for conscious sedation. It is safe provided that adequate patient
monitoring and emergency care are available.

(CU Dent J. 2005;28:1-10)