I like to find one anesthesiologist to work with and use them all the time. I get feelers from CRNA's the last one was 100$ an hour more than what i pay my anesthesiologist. I pay more than the locums group above. I can find anesthesiologists for 300$/hour....longer cases less.
BTW, I regard anesthesiologists as among the best and most talented physicians...and have a great deal of gratitude for their ability to make mel look good.
Regarding the case in this heading, I would be surprised if this was an equipment issue. All board certified plastic surgeons have pledged, as part of their board designation, to operate only in facilities that are certified (in plastic surgery most common one is Quad A). The case in question takes about 45 minutes from incision to sutures. I use 50cc lidocaine 1% in 250cc NS, and 50cc .025 marcaine with epi in 100cc NS. This allows a "light" anesthesia. I don't usually care whether its IV sedation, ET, or LMA as long as the patient wakes up........while dressing is going on. One of the few rules i have is, no toradol. If there's an interest i'd be happy to offer some suggestions how anesthesiologists and plastic surgeons can work together for the benefit of the patient.