Comparison of Two Anesthesia Induction Methods in Awake Extubated Children at Risk for Respiratory Adverse Events: A Retrospective Study

Background: The extubation phase in pediatric general anesthesia (GA), particularly in children at risk for perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs), poses significant challenges. This study aimed to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol induction on respiratory complications during emergence in pediatric dental patients at risk for PRAEs. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 221 children aged 2–15 who underwent elective dental rehabilitation under GA were analyzed. Patients were assigned to induction with either sevoflurane (n=130) or propofol (n=91). All patients were extubated while awake. The primary outcome was the incidence of respiratory complications, including laryngospasm, bronchospasm, desaturation (SpO₂