Nurse Anesthetist Vs Anethesiologist?

One of the 3 PS I've consulted regarding a lower body lift uses a nurse anesthetist vs an anesthesiologist. This surgeon is well experienced, referred to him by my bariatric surgeon and operates out of his own O.R. Due to this being a 5 1/2 hr surgery, this issue of using a nurse anesthetist concerns me. Is my concern valid and would it be wrong to request the surgeon use a Anesthesiologist? Saving $1500 is not worth it to me.

Tags:

Comment on this

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Keep On

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (2)

Anesthesia Choices for Plastic Surgery

Any concerns you have for your safety are valid simply because you should feel totally comfortable with the procedure particulars as well as the entire staff responsible for your care. In plastic surgery, we often refer to the 3 distinct choices for sedation: Local Anesthesia IV Anesthesia General Anesthesia I prefer monitored IV sedation with a board certified anesthesiologist in charge of monitoring the patient’s vital signs so I can concentrate on surgery.... more

Should I Have A Nurse Or A Doctor Administer My Anesthesia?

Thank you very much for this excellent question. I have never felt comfortable having a nurse anesthetist taking my patient's life into their hands. I know some of them are great at what they do. I personally would never allow a nurse anesthetist to give anesthesia for myself or my family. I think you are very wise to question the use of a nurse in this situation. Have another consultation with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and tell him or her of your... more

Anesthesia Care

You ask a very good question. In my AAAASF accredited surgery facility, I only have a board certified anesthesiologist care for my patients. This is my preference. However, it is not wrong to have an experienced CRNA too. My suggestion - please talk to your plastic surgeon and express your concerns. Perhaps he can schedule your case with a board certified anesthesiologist? If not, then perhaps you need to re-evaluate your team and choice of... more

Anesthesia Choice

Thank you for your question. This is a very common question and your surgeon will most likely be happy to discuss this with you. If you are concerned and want a board certified anesthesiologist performing your surgery, talk to your surgeon and see what he/she can arrange. If this cannot be arranged for you, then you need to decide if you are comfortable proceeding with this OR team. Best wishes.

Nurse Anesthetist Vs Anethesiologist?

I would say that it is totally your call and your wishes are appropriate. If your preference is for an MD anesthesiologist, let the surgeon know, If he or she is not willing to consider your preference, you will need to decide whether that is enough to change your surgeon preference. Thanks, best wishes.

Nurse Anesthetist Vs Anethesiologist?

Very hard question to advise on. First of all your safety ad peace of mind comes into play. Also a 5+ hour extensive/intensive operation in an office operating suite is of additional concern. In hospital overnight stay for this operation might be a better choice for you. But there are other issues involved here. I use mostly MD anesthesia in my office OR but also have used nurse anesthesia so I have no bones to pick so to say. To me it depends upon the type of surgery in making the final... more

Anesthesia

A Board Certified Plastic surgeon, and Board Certified Anesthesiologist and an accrideted facility. Your safety comes first

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (2)

Constant Vigilance 30 Jul 2012

Getting answers from physicians will be biased. Just as if you were to ask a forum with CRNA's responding. However, both anesthesiologists and CRNA's provide very safe anesthesia because anesthesia has become extremely safe over the past few decades with advances in patient monitoring as well as appropriate use of medications. Your biggest concern should be can the facility appropriately take care of you should something adverse happen. The most outstanding anesthesiologist or CRNA can still be limited by the facility in which they practice. Outpatient surgery centers are not ideal for complicated or prolonged cases where you may need to be monitored overnight. When you speak to your surgeon, you should ask how long have they worked with the anesthesia provider and how experienced is this provider? Those questions are much more important than whether they are an anesthesiologist or a CRNA. Because both anesthesiologists and CRNAs can make mistakes. The truth of the matter is that anesthesia is safely given all over this country by both providers in all types of cases and complexity.

Anesthesia1 21 Jul 2012

Hey there

As an Independently practicing CRNA I can tell you that there is no difference in quality, safety or outcomes with CRNAs vs Anesthesiologist. That is a fact which has been validated by over 30 studies in 100+ years most recently again in 2009 and 2011. Frankly, there is no benefit to picking an Anesthesiologist (MDA) unless you just like to pay more.

Ask a Question