Reviewer: David B. Glick, MD, MB
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Description: Dr. Friedberg describes his technique of minimally invasive anesthesia using propofol and ketamine in cosmetic, office-based procedures. The book also includes brief descriptions of other anesthetic techniques for cosmetic surgery as well as a nice description of contemporary medicolegal concerns surrounding anesthetics given in an office-based setting.
Purpose: The purpose of the book is to introduce anesthesiologists to the author's technique of intravenous sedation using propofol and ketamine titrated to the BIS reading for office-based anesthetics. The result is a clear presentation of the technique and a description of how to optimize its effectiveness.
Audience: The book is directed at all anesthesiologists who provide intravenous sedation, as well as to anesthesiologists who believe that some of the cases for which they currently give a general anesthetic could be better treated with a titrated MAC. The author is a well-known expert in the field who has modified and refined his technique over his 15 years in an office-based practice.
Features: The technique of minimally invasive anesthesia is presented well. A detailed section covers regional blocks for facial surgery, but alternative techniques for cosmetic surgical anesthesia get less exhaustive, though adequate, coverage.
Assessment:The book is appropriate for practitioners interested in using this propofol-ketamine MAC technique. Many tips and suggestions are offered to help anesthesiologists with less experience with the technique optimize their anesthetics.