why a crna during colonoscopy without my consent?

[rem223]

I'm scheduled for colonoscopy and told them that I don't want any sedation and that I'm allergic to midazolam and to propofol..and that the severe allergic reactions were terrible an I won't consent to trying any other drugs.  Despite this, I get a call from a nurse anesthetist and she says that she will be present during my procedure anyway. Since I'm not consenting to anesthesia or sedation in any case, why would a crna be present?  My experience with crna has been that they aren't anesthesiologists but act as if they practice medicine and this is dangerous..especially when something goes wrong.  I went into an anaphalactiod (sp?) reaction and the crna didn't know what to do.

[rem223]

My last anesthesia experience was done by a CRNA and it was a disaster; it was supposed to be a "simple anesthesia case" and she couldn't deal with the complcations that happened. Help from an anesthesiologist was slow in arriving (he was "managing" 4 other CRNA at the same time). The delay was a nightmare for me and for my surgeon.  If I don't consent to sedation nor any CRNA services, why would one want to be present?  I had the colonoscopy, declined sedation or CRNA services, but she was in the procedure room anyway.  Afterwards the doctor could not explain why.  I just got a call from the CRNA asking me to come in and sign the anesthesia/sedation consent form that I "forgot" to sign..I told the CRNA that I did not forget to sign it and reminded her that I specifically refused her services (I added this on the procedural consent), but she is still insisting that I sign this document, which I will not do.  She said that she was there to keep me safe and comfortable (against my specific instructions?..that's battery) and that she put in over an hour "doing" my case.  One of the nurses  mentioned  that the CRNA wants me to sign the anesthesia consent so that she can bill for doing nothing.  I'm confused.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It is always better to have a nurse anesthetic just in case anesthetic management is required in an emergency such as circulatory collapse. The nurse anesthesiologists are well trained to handle simple anesthesia cases and emergent situations and if required in case of an emergency an anesthesiologist consult may be sought.
Hope this information is helpful.

Take care!