Comparison of propofol infusion and isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia for dentistry in mentally retarded patients.

A continuous infusion of propofol following an induction dose of 2 mg/kg was compared with thiopental/isoflurane for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia in 20 mentally retarded outpatients undergoing routine dental procedures. The infusion rate of propofol and the concentration of isoflurane were adjusted to maintain the heart rate and blood pressure within +/- 25% of the baseline values. Postoperative wakefulness was assessed using a 100-mm visual analogue scale at the time of extubation and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after extubation. Both agents provided adequate anesthesia for the treatment, and no major adverse reactions occurred. Recovery was more complete during the first hour after extubation in the propofol group, and these patients were discharged earlier.