A growing shortage of anesthesia professionals is forcing gastroenterologists to reconsider how sedation is delivered in endoscopy. At ACG 2025, a national survey revealed that while only 4% of GIs currently perform endoscopist-directed moderate sedation, most want more training—particularly in safely administering propofol.
Experts, led by Dr. Dayna Early of Washington University, warned that limited fellowship exposure and overreliance on CRNAs could restrict procedure access, especially in rural areas. With 450,000 CRNA shortages projected this year and new agents like remimazolam showing promise as safer alternatives, many believe it’s time for gastroenterologists to reclaim sedation from anesthesia teams—but only with proper education and support.