The effect of midazolam premedication on discharge time in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia for dental restorations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral premedication with midazolam on recovery times of children undergoing dental restorations under general anesthesia.

Methods: The records of 106 children (1.2-11.3 years, ASA I or II) undergoing ambulatory dental restorations were randomly selected and retrospectively reviewed: 50 subjects received midazolam (M) 0.5 mg/kg orally approximately 30 minutes prior to their procedure and 56 control subjects received no premedication (C). General anesthesia consisted primarily of inhalational anesthesia. Time in the operating room (OR), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and same day surgery (SDS) were determined and compared between groups.

Results: Both groups were similar with respect to age and weight. There were no significant differences between groups in time spent in the OR, PACU or SDS (p>0.05). In a subset of children having shorter dental procedures (OR time < or =75 minutes, n=29), there remained no significant difference in discharge times between groups.

Conclusions: Preoperative administration of oral midazolam does not delay discharge of children undergoing general anesthesia for dental rehabilitation.