NITROUS-OXIDE DOES NOT INCREASE VOMITING AFTER DENTAL RESTORATIONS INCHILDREN

The effect of nitrous oxide on postoperative vomiting was evaluated in 330 children who underwent outpatient dental restorations. There were two groups in this single-blind, randomized, controlled study. One gr oup received nitrous oxide during their anesthetic, while the non-nitr ous oxide group did not receive nitrous oxide at any time. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation with halothane or with propofol intravenousl y. The incidence of vomiting for 24 h after surgery was recorded. Over all, the incidence of vomiting was similar, with 30% of the control pa tients and 35% of the nitrous-treated patients vomiting after their an esthetic. However, in-hospital vomiting was less in the control group: 15% vs 24%, control versus nitrous oxide, P = 0.03. In conclusion, ni trous oxide does not alter postoperative vomiting after halothane anae sthesia for dental restorations in children.