Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation of Xenon Use in Pediatric Outpatient Dental Practice

BACKGROUND: In contemporary health care, including anesthesiology, pharmacoeconomic assessment is integral to evaluating clinical processes. Inhaled anesthetic xenon, known for its unique pharmacologic properties, is gaining popularity in pediatric outpatient dental practice. Evaluating the direct medical costs associated with its use is of particular interest.

AIM: The work aimed to assess the pharmacoeconomic effect of xenon administration in pediatric outpatient dental practice.

METHODS: An open-label, prospective, randomized study included 117 pediatric patients (45 girls, 72 boys). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10.0. Data are presented as median and quartiles (Me [Q1: Q3]); the Mann–Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparisons. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: With a mean anesthesia duration of 108 min, the average total xenon consumption per patient was 13 L (7 L/h), corresponding to a direct cost of 36,000 rubles (310 rubles per minute). During the filling the breathing circuit with anesthetic (anesthesia machine–patient), xenon consumption averaged 3 L over 2 min, incurring a cost of 8000 rubles (3000 rubles per minute). During the maintenance phase, xenon consumption averaged 10 L, with associated costs of 28,000 rubles (280 rubles per minute).

CONCLUSION: The highest xenon consumption rate — 1.5 L/min — and the peak cost — 3000 rubles per minute — were observed during the induction phase. The overall mean cost during the entire anesthesia session was nearly 10 times lower than during induction and did not exceed 310 rubles per minute. Future implementation of technologies aimed at reducing xenon loss to the atmosphere during induction may help lower the total cost of its use.