Archives of Critical Care Medicine

Background: Due to the use of the arch bar in many of jaw fractures and fixation of mandible and maxilla, lack of adequate access to airways and further bleeding during surgery, recognition of anesthetic agents that produce better hemodynamic stability and recovery has special importance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the maintenance of anesthesia with propofol/alfentanil versus isoflurane/N2O in patients candidate for arch bar fixation.

Patients and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 60 patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of P (propofol + alfentanil) and I (isoflurane + N2O). Blood pressure and heart rate were measured every five minutes, since 5 minutes before induction to 15 minutes after extubation. Presence of backing and level of patient cooperation were also recorded.

Results: The mean systolic blood pressure after extubation was significantly higher in group P (P = 0.024). Time interval between discontinuation of anesthetics and extubation was significantly lower in group P (P = 0.015).

Conclusions: Patients who received propofol/alfentanil were extubated in shorter time than those who received isoflurane/N2O.