Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/25/2010

Question
Hi Doc,
THanks so much for answering my question so thoroughly about whether it is safe to have endoscopy and colonoscopy at the same time with a nurse anesthetist administering the anesthesia.
I forgot to clarify that the drug being used would be propofol.  Would you still feel comfortable with a nurse giving this in an endoscopy center without an anesthesiologist around?  I am thinking of Michael Jackson who couldn't be revived by his cardiologist.

Answer
Michael Jackson got Propofol administered by someone who doesn't know how to use it. CRNA's use the drug all the time and it is extremely safe when used by qualified people. I would feel very safe having the CRNA administer the drug (assuming all the other safety measures I mentioned were in place).

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston