Methohexital infusion technique for conscious sedation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a methohexital infusion technique for conscious sedation in oral surgical procedures. Patients were evaluated for recall, comfort, recovery, and surgeon's estimate of cooperation. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult (mean age, 29 years) ASA I or II patients requiring various dentoalveolar procedures were entered into the study. Administration of 1.5 μg/kg fentanyl and 1 mg midazolam were given until sedation was achieved. An infusion of methohexital was started using 50 μg/kg/min and increased as needed to 75 μg/kg/min. Postoperatively, visual analog scales were used to evaluate the efficacy of the technique. Results: The average total amount of methohexital infused was 257 mg for an average surgical time of 88 minutes. Recovery times were short and uneventful. Patients were cleared for discharge in under 35 minutes. No cardiac or respiratory side effects were noted other than a mild increase (