Ask Dr. Friedberg
What makes the Friedberg Method of Goldilocks Anesthesia different?
There are three things that make the Friedberg Method of Goldilocks Anesthesia stand out:
- It uses two specific anesthetics, propofol and ketamine, that are known for producing a pleasant, non-narcotic sleep with no post-op discomfort.
- The anesthetics are administered gradually and as needed, rather than in a quick, knock-out-the-patient manner
- The addition of a brain monitor let’s the anesthesiologist know exactly what level of sleep the patient is experiencing. So there is no risk of under-medicating, where the patient could wake up during surgery, or over-medicating which runs can result in anything from short-term disorientation to irreversible dementia.
Isn’t Propofol dangerous? Isn’t that what Michael Jackson was given?
Any medication or anesthetic can be considered dangerous if the patient is not carefully monitored. Propofol is no more dangerous, and is actually less risky than many popular anesthetics, including narcotic based anesthetics and what we call ”stinky gases.” Michael Jackson’s doctor was apparently not observing Michael while he was out and does not appear to have had him hooked up to any monitoring devices.
How can you be so sure that I won’t wake up during surgery?
The Friedberg Method of Goldilocks Anesthesia employs a brain monitor that allows the doctor to know exactly what your brain activity is. There is no guesswork – it’s right there on the screen in a number between zero and one hundred on the most commonly used device, the bispectral index (BIS®) monitor. It is not technically difficult to use.
When brain activity rises above a certain level the anesthesiologist can easily give a measured dose of anesthetic and watch the brain activity settle.
If activity falls below a certain level, the anesthesiologist can cut back on the dosage until the brain activity picks up to a healthy, safe sleep level.
Why do you think I won’t be nauseous after surgery?
The anesthetics used in this method are highly effective yet different from those known to cause post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Also, because the patient’s sleep level is constantly being monitored, only the necessary amount of anesthesia is used so the body is able to more easily handle the medication.
If this method is so good, why aren’t other doctors using it?
The fact is that a number of other doctors are using it. However it has not become widespread because doctors, like many professionals, are ve-e-e-ery slow to adopt new methods, even if they are demonstrably better than the current approach. As more patients request this method, undoubtedly more doctors will use it.
How can I convince my doctor to require this method of anesthesia?
The best thing you can do is take advantage of the letters on the What Patient’s Must Do page of this website. Or you can refer your doctor to www.drfriedberg.com, a site I created for doctors where I explain the science behind the process. And the most important thing you can do is insist that you have this method for your surgery. If you let your surgeon know that you are very serious about alleviating the risks involved with being over-anesthetized and that you will consider using another surgeon if your requirement is not met, your doctor will be highly motivated to cooperate. And I believe once your surgeon observes how well you do with this method, he or she may well become a proponent of it.
Does the government have anything to say about this method?
I introduced this method to the army for use with wounded soldiers in combat. Not only did they adopt this method, I was given a congressional award.
Are you connected with a drug company or brain monitor manufacturer?
Absolutely and unequivocally not. I am simply so enthusiastic about the benefits to patients – and to doctors – of using this method that I have dedicated myself to getting the word out. I take being a doctor seriously. So when there are practical ways to increase patient comfort and safety and literally save lives, I want to do it.