Short anaesthesia with Propofol at the dentist

Propofol is a very common anaesthetic today, which has a sedative effect but no analgesic or pain-relieving effect. It is used today in most surgical procedures, both for short-term and long-term operations. In principle, an anaesthetist does not necessarily have to be present when using propofol.

Many outpatient procedures, such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy, are performed in this way today. Propofol, which is very easy to control, is also sometimes used in dental procedures. Particularly in wisdom tooth operations that are difficult to perform or in lengthy procedures, the dentist can administer Propofol anesthesia if he has placed an appropriate cannula in an arm or hand vein of the patient.

For the safety of the patient, however, it would always be good if an anesthesiologist could at least be reached should complications arise under Propofol. The most common complications would be an allergic reaction to this drug or impaired breathing. As a rule, dental procedures do not take longer than about 1 hour. The use of Propofol can also be considered for patients with severe anxiety. Prior information about risks and side effects should be provided.

Short anaesthesia with Propofol in the MRT

If magnetic resonance imaging is necessary for the examination of a patient, it is not uncommon for patients to refuse it because they are claustrophobic due to the confinement. Often alternative diagnostic options are then sought. Sometimes, however, an MRI examination is urgently required, in which case it may be considered to have this examination performed under a short anaesthetic with Propofol.

Propofol is a so-called narcotic, i.e. it switches off receptors that are necessary for attention and thus puts the patient into a deep sleep. However, pain receptors are not switched off and the patient may feel pain. This should be considered less in MRI examinations, where no pain is produced, and more in surgical procedures.

Short anaesthesia with Propofol during a colonoscopy

Today, Propofol is the most common anesthetic used in colonoscopies. Due to its good controllability and rapid drainage, it is widely used and has comparatively few side effects compared with its competitors. After preparing the patient for the colonoscopy, the examiner usually places a cannula in the arm or back of the hand.

A previously calculated amount of Propofol is then administered through this cannula. Often an infusion of saline solution is then given immediately afterwards. The patient falls asleep immediately.

Since Propofol is not an analgesic, the patient only sleeps and may feel pain. If greater pain is to be expected during the examination, an appropriate analgesic would have to be administered. During a gastroscopy, the patient has to overcome some very unpleasant hurdles.

First, a medication is sprayed into the throat, which reduces sensitivity and makes the throat less sensitive. Then the flexible gastroscope is inserted into the mouth and the patient is asked to swallow it. Some patients can endure this procedure without further action.

Some, however, want a short anaesthetic for this procedure. Propofol is usually used for this purpose. It is very easy to control and is injected through the patient’s vein.

The uncomplicated application of Propofol can bridge surgery times of at least 10 minutes and at most 8 hours. For short procedures, a previously calculated amount of Propofol is administered to the patient. Shortly after the procedure the amount is used up and the patient slowly wakes up again.

If the drug wears off and the procedure takes some more time, Propofol can be given again. It should be noted, however, that the corresponding recovery time will be longer. Propofol can be given without the patient needing to be ventilated.However, oxygen saturation is measured in each patient who received Propofol. This is because a drop in oxygen saturation during minor procedures is a serious complication.