Propofol Abuse Growing Problem for Anesthesiologists

Indeed. And we waste quite a few in the trash cans what with changing the bottle and tubing completely after 12 hours due to infection risk.

Anesthesia does have access to drugs. We make up a good deal of the substance abuse, but a small percentage of healthcare providers.

I can't speak to why this is, but for someone to imply we "hit the Pyxis like a Saturday Sale" (I forget the exact words) is downright offensive!

If IT hits the fan during surgery, we can't just leave our patient to go to the Pyxis. We MUST have everything we even think we could concievably need right at our fingertips.

http://www.anesthesiologynews.com/in...rticle_id=7579

Such a frightening article. Especially after all the media blitz about Michael Jackson possibly abusing propofol. I suppose I was naive but I never considered this was a med anyone would abuse. Does anyone have any stats related to this? I was curious about the item in the article that states that there may be correlation between inhaling exhaled propofol from patients in the OR.

Kim - all we can think of is that SOMEONE had to be helping him without the proper monitoring equipment in place. How hard would it be to pop an LMA down, and assist with a BVM, with an infusion running? Add a little Demerol or one of the Fentanyl brothers, and you have a perfect TIVA.

Interested in your reponse - I'm still in CRNA training, but my classmates and I picked this one apart the other day while waiting for our turn to renew our PALS cards.

That's right. At 12 hours, whatever is left in the bottle is tossed and replaced. Doesn't happen very often, except for those on low doses. Usually we change the tubing a little early, etc.

But, I have tossed a partially full bottle of propofol in the garbage before.