Conscious midazolam sedation in third molar surgery--aspects of post-operative patient evaluation

This study was conducted on 426 patients undergoing third molar surgery to evaluate their opinion on surgery and the follow-up period concerning postoperative behaviour, pain, and complaints. Two groups were formed as patients had to choose between local anaesthesia only or additional conscious sedation by means of intravenous midazolam (0.1 mg/kg). Women and younger patients preferred conscious sedation. Surgery was described as significantly less distressing by the sedated group. No difference in the evaluation of the follow-up period between both groups existed. Patients of the midazolam group took more analgesics, tended to stay longer in bed and reported on protracted cooling. Non-sedated persons older than 30 years complained about a slower decrease in postoperative pain. According to these findings, sensitive, cautious patients tend to prefer conscious sedation which is reflected in their behaviour. No relationship between the evaluation of surgery itself and the follow-up period could be found.