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Is It Safe to Use a Nurse Anesthestist for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

asked 1 year ago by Southworth7976 in redmond, WA
Latest answer by Robert Brueck, MD
Question viewed 391 times
Tags: anesthesia, nurse, safety

I'm considering having a tummy tuck. The board certified plastic surgeon I'm considering uses a nurse anesthetist. Is this advisable for a full tummy tuck? Or is there no difference between a anesthesiologist or a CNR for this procedure?

15 answers to Is It Safe to Use a Nurse Anesthestist for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

+1

Nurse anesthetist for tummy tuck

It is absolutely safe to use a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) for any type of outpatient plastic surgery.  If you have an unusual medical condition you can request an MD-anesthesiologist, but in general, there is no difference between the care you receive with either one. Best wishes, Dr. Bruno
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.williambrunomd.com

+3

Nurses (RNs) and Doctors (MDs) That Give Anesthesia, What is Safe?

YES if there is a supervising MD anesthesiologist available at the facility at all times.  100%   All good facilities have this structure.  Nurses giving anesthesia are excellent and well trained but when a lightening strike occurs, a severe allergy, dangerous complications, etc an MD anesthesiologists must be available immediately.  Facilities run without MD anesthesiologists essentially use the surgeon to serve as the responsible ....   ANESTHESIA PERSON.  more
George Commons, MD

Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

www.pacfps.com

+3

Anesthesia

Personally my preference is to use an MD anesthesiologist, it is probably what I'd use for my own family.  That being said, many people use registered nurse anesthesists and have for years without problems.  It is within the standard of carre today.  Best wishes,
Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.DoctorMeade.com

+2

CRNA/MD there is a difference

Many patients are more fearful of anesthesia than surgery.  I always use an MD anesthesiologist because they have more training and broader medical knowledge.  Most of the time a CRNA can safely do the anesthesia for an abdominoplasty, but if an emergency arises will there be an MD anesthesiologist in the operating suite (very nearby) who will assume your care?  It doesn't matter if your surgeon has never had a problem with a CRNA.  The fact is that the training... more
Lori H. Saltz, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.ljcsc.com

+2

Anesthesia for a tummy tuck - I prefer an MD

A CRNA can be excellent IF there is an anesthesiologist present in the vicinity for emergencies.  Most times when using an RN this is not the case unless it is done in an outpatient surgery center.  I personally only use real anesthesiologists (MD's) because they are clearly more trained and experienced and will be better able to handle any issues that might arise.  That's what I would want if I were the patient so that's why I do it that way.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

I use MD

I personally use a board certified anesthesiologists, but I know surgeons who only use CRNAs.  When things are straightforward, there may be no difference, but when there is a problem I prefer my physician colleague.  Good luck with your surgery.
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

CRNA vs anesthesiologist

CRNAs are well-trained and qualified health care providers, but I perform my abdominoplasty procedures at centers that use an MD anesthesiologist. Many of these facilities also have CRNAs that assist with the case, but are not ultimately in charge.
Joseph Michaels, MD

Bethesda Plastic Surgeon
+2

Board certified anesthesiologist better!

Being an Anesthesiologist has been described to me like being a pilot...its 99.99% routine boredom and 0.01% terror!  Especially because more and more plastic surgical procedures are performed in "Certified Offices" and not in hospitals, I feel more secure as a surgeon (and definitely as a patient) to know that in the event of an emergency I can count on a Board-certified Anesthesiologist!!!  No matter what explanation a Plastic Surgeon may give you for using a Nurse... more
Eric Sadeh, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

CRNA vs Anesthesiologist

I feel that you are safe in having a CRNA perform the anesthesia fir your tummy tuck assuming that the procedure is being performed in a certified facility.  I personally would have no problem with 25 or so CRNAs in this community gving me or a family member general anesthesia.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Nurse anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is fine to perform your anesthesia for your surgery. I personally use a board certified anesthesiologist.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nurse anesthitist

I have been using a nurse  anesthetist for 15 years now and she does a remarkable job and is better than or equal to regular M.D.'s and I would let her put any of my family members to sleep.
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
+1

Anesthesia for a tummy tuck

There are very talented and skilled anesthesiologists as well as CRNA's.  The difference is really in the depth of training in the event that the procedure is not routine.  For that reason I prefer a board certified anesthesiologist.
York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.yorkyates.com

+1

Anesthesiologist versus CRNA.

Many facilities use CRNAs to deliver and monitor anesthesia. However, the CRNA is usually overseen by a board certified anesthesiologist (MD). I feel comfortable with a CRNA when the patient has minimal issues with their cardiac, pulmonary, or renal status. In patients with significant medical problems, I prefer an anesthesiologist. Either way, I feel the evaluation of and planning for anesthetic administration is best performed by a board certified anesthesiologist... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

CRNA

I have had great experiences with CRNAs.  I would not hesitate if there is an MD anesthesiologist available should anything unusual occur.  In an office O.R. like ours, I prefer to have an MD anesthesiologist so I do not have to worry about anesthesia issues and can just focus on the surgery.   Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.sowdermd.com

+1

Tummy tuck anesthesia

Tummy tucks are almost always done under a genberal anesthetic,ie where the anesthesoligist breathes for you. Nurse anesthetists are also very capable of providing anesthesia services and you should trust your board certified(American Board of Plastic Surgery) plastic surgeon. 
Edward J. Domanskis, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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