Physicians report that some patients are hesitant to condone the use of propofol in their surgical procedures, following the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson in June 2009 from "acute propofol intoxication," according to a CNN report.
Propofol is commonly used to sedate patients undergoing procedures such as colonoscopies because it leaves patients feeling well-rested when they wake up. Physicians say patients have balked at the use of the drug in recent months because they associate propofol with mortality following Mr. Jackson's death.
This hesitance has also provided a teaching opportunity for physicians to explain that medications like propofol do not directly kill or harm patients. Rather, improper administration and inattention to detail can cause patient mortality. Propofol should only be administered by people trained in giving general anesthesia and who are not involved in the conduct of the surgery or diagnostic procedure, according to the FDA.
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Propofol is commonly used to sedate patients undergoing procedures such as colonoscopies because it leaves patients feeling well-rested when they wake up. Physicians say patients have balked at the use of the drug in recent months because they associate propofol with mortality following Mr. Jackson's death.
This hesitance has also provided a teaching opportunity for physicians to explain that medications like propofol do not directly kill or harm patients. Rather, improper administration and inattention to detail can cause patient mortality. Propofol should only be administered by people trained in giving general anesthesia and who are not involved in the conduct of the surgery or diagnostic procedure, according to the FDA.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
74% of Michigan Residents Understand What Anesthesiologists Do
Researchers Map Molecular Pathways Used by Common Pain Drug
Dr. Michael Humphrey Discusses Draw, Downsides of Anesthesiology