Breathing Tube

Will there be a breathing tube inserted in my nose or in my mouth? I was just wondering if it is my nose, will it be both nostrils?

If anyone can help with the above, it will be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jane

Hi Jane!

I was told at my pre-op that with general anesthesia I would have a breathing tube down my throat. I was out when it was put in and when they removed it. I don't remember even having it. I was fortunate that I didn't have the sore throat that some people have afterwards. I just felt a little dry. Ask your doctor and/or anesthesiologist before your surgery and they will explain everything about it to you.

Best of luck with your surgery and I pray that you have a very uneventful recovery! s

Deb

I had the tube down my throat with the general as well, and had a sore throat which still is bothering me a little. I also got one of those lovely oxygen things up both sides of my nose off and on for the first day, but that wasn't bad at all

Hi Jane!

With general anesthesia, they need to clear the airway well and that requires the throat path. Like the others, I never knew it went in and never knew it came out! My throat was fine afterwards (or at least that's what I "don't" remember!) I had never had major surgery before and it all went very well.

Having worked in the O.R. for years, the surgeons and anesthesiologists really do know what they are doing! In fact, they chat about the most interesting things while they're working! It's a very pleasant "routine" thing for them. Knowing this made me feel much better as the patient on the other end. It also helped me with the anxiety of wondering how my Dad was doing, when during his open-heart surgery a big earthquake occurred and the generators had to kick in! Give it up for CALIFORNIA! It was business as usual in the O.R.! Nothing is all that unusual in their day's work.

You'll do fine. Trust them!

I had the laparoscopy surgery last year. It was my first surgery and I was never told that I would have a tube in my throat.
I never even knew I had one 'till a couple days after I had mentioned to my mom that my throat had been a lil sore and dry ever since the surgery, and she informed me that it was due to the tube. I told her I didn't have one... she just laughed at me.
At the post op visit the Dr told me I did.... my mom was still laughing at me.
Just thought I would share my story of how "dumb" I was to assure you that you will never know about it. Aside from a minor throat irritation for a day or 2 and a little dryness of the throat!

I didn't have any effects from the breathing tube, either. But my dad had two outpatient surgeries last summer, and he was raspy for a couple of days afterwards. But he has a very small air passage...

They did have me on oxygen for about 24 hours after the surgery as a precaution -- but that actually felt really good.

I have had two surgeries over the past 4 months - I was put under for both. The tube was put through my mouth both times. The first time I had a cough for a few hours and a tiny bit of a sore throat. The second time there were no side effects. I wonder if the difference was due to the length of time that I was put out. My first surgery was much longer - I did a c section birth and two biopsies and a tubal ligation all at the same time so I was under for awhile. The second surgery was only a cervical conization biopsy which took much less time. Ask your anesthesiologist. I am scheduled for Dec 15 and and hoping for results lke my last surgery. Good luck to you and best wishes!

I've been under twice now, and both times had a tube down my throat, but didn't even know it until the second time. My voice was a little raspy, but that was all. This time, the tube is one of the least of my concerns. :grin:

My understanding from talking to the RN today at my pre-op, is that the dryness and the oxygen they give you afterwards is from the anesthesia and trying to process it out of your lungs as quickly as possible. At least that's how I took it.

Hope this helps...Mary