Michael Jackson Drug

“Are you using the Michael Jackson drug, doctor?”  Michael Jackson passed away nearly 4 years ago but I still get that question.  Propofol is that drug.  Nearly all anesthesiologists use it when giving anesthesia.  Why?  Because it is a fast acting drug with very few side effects.  It tends to make people feel good after the anesthesia is done.  Besides wearing off quickly, it also prevents stomach upset.

Drugs used improperly are dangerous
Aspirin, Tylenol, valium, and many other drugs, when used improperly, can be lethal.  They can also provide relief from pain and suffering.  They need to be used correctly by a responsible person that is competent.  Aspirin, for example, is easy enough to use that an adult can read the instructions and safely use or administer it.  Propofol is more complicated and needs to be administered by a trained person.

Propofol should be given by anesthesiologists
In a dental office, propofol can work wonderfully well, providing very comfortable anesthesia.  It is a drug that works very predictably in the hands of a trained anesthesiologist.  In the hands of an untrained person, who is treating someone that is already taking many other sedatives and pain killers, anesthetic drugs can lead to tragic consequences.  That is what happened to Michael Jackson.

Well done anesthesia is an act of compassion
The answer to the question is that I often use propofol.  It will help me provide quick, comfortable, safe anesthesia.  People leave soon after the procedure is done, feeling good.  Relief of suffering, fear, and pain of others makes providing anesthesia an act of compassion that is very immediate, allowing important work to be done for people that couldn’t otherwise do it.  That is why I do it.

--Dave

Photo "Poppies" by Dave Hutt, www.dmddigitalphoto.com

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