Propofol-assisted deep extubation in the dental treatment of pediatrics: a randomized controlled triple-blind trial.

Abstract

Objectives: To verify whether propofol-assisted deep extubation is associated with fewer complications in pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment.

Materials and methods: This prospective study enrolled 60 pediatric candidates undergoing elective dental interventions, with randomized allocation to either deep extubation (DE; n = 30) or awake extubation (AE; n = 30) protocols. The primary endpoint was the incidence of at least 1 respiratory adverse event, whereas time to extubation (TOE), time to wake-up (TOW), hemodynamic fluctuations during extubation, incidence of emergence agitation (EA), nasal obstruction, epistaxis, sore throat, and hoarse voice after extubation were the secondary endpoints.

Results: The DE group reported significantly lower incidence of at least 1 respiratory adverse event (0.0% VS 23.3%, P = 0.016). The TOE was significantly shorter in the DE group, averaging 2.78 ± 0.87 min, compared to 5.50 ± 1.01 min in the AE group (P < .001). The TOW was longer in the DE group, with an average of 15.03 ± 3.44 min compared to 10.63 ± 1.52 min in the AE group (P < .001). The average value of mean arterial pressure (AVMAP) during extubation was lower in the DE group at 74.70 ± 13.35 mmHg, compared to 87.43 ± 15.31 mmHg in the AE group (P < .001). The average value of heart rate (AVHR) in the DE group was 108.37 ± 13.41 bpm, while in the AE group, it was 127.93 ± 20.74 bpm (P < .001). Additionally, the rates of sore throat and hoarse voice were significantly lower in the DE group (6.7% and 3.3%) than in the AE group (27% and 30%).

Conclusions: For pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment, propofol-assisted deep extubation is superior, allowing for less extubation time without increasing airway complications. This technique provides a smoother extubation with fewer hemodynamic fluctuations and lower incidences of voice hoarseness and persistent coughing, provided that certain rules for deep extubation are followed.