Sevoflurane general anesthesia: an alternative technique in the pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery patient.

PURPOSE: The objective of this prospective descriptive study was to report our experience with an alternative general anesthetic technique, using sevoflurane for the pediatric patient, in an ambulatory setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive pediatric patients participated over a 4-month period. A general anesthetic technique, using mask induction with sevoflurane and maintenance with a nasal trumpet as airway, was used throughout the surgical procedure. A standard anesthesia and recovery record was made for each patient; this included observations for untoward effects and complications. RESULTS: The average time for induction of anesthesia was 95 seconds, time from termination of sevoflurane to eye opening was 8 minutes, and duration of recovery was 30 minutes. Procedure time for each case did not exceed 10 minutes. Two patients had transient tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this prospective descriptive study indicate that this technique is an effective and acceptable alternative to other modalities for the control of apprehension and fear in the pediatric patient in an ambulatory oral and maxillofacial facility.