Breathing Tube During Surgery

No. I am not a smoker. It's my understanding that most longer surgeries require either a endotracheal tube or LMA. Since the patient is under for more than an hour, they require help breathing. My PS said I would probably have one or the other and the Anethesiologist would determine which one.

Breathing tubes (also called E tubes or endotracheal tubes) are placed in your windpipe AFTER you are anaesthetised. You will be very asleep and unaware! The laryngoscope is the instrument which is placed in your throat (only so the anaesthetist can see your vocal chords) first, and the tube is inserted and the laryngoscope is removed. Tooth chipping is incredibly RARE. As an RN who intubates i have never heard of anyone doing this as we (paramedics, RN's Dr's etc) are well aware of people having cosmetic tooth repairs and work such as crowns, veneers etc. An LMA is a laryngeal mask. It 'cuffs' around the larynx and is ok for short procedures but it isn't as protective or safe as an ET tube. Please try not to be worried about this as your Dr will ensure your safety. I too was worried about the GA (general anaesthetic) but its a case of short term worry and placing your trust in your healthcare people, for long term gain having smaller boobs. Good luck and I hope all goes well. x

Deb: Thanks for your reply. I'm guessing a lot of people don't even know they have had this tube in since it happens after you are asleep. I was actually kind of kidding about the teeth, but the tube does freak me out a little bit.

I was under the impression that the tube was standard procedure. I don't know. I had a bit of a cough until today (5 days post op).

Hi girls, The teeth issue was a concern as we always ask pre op 'do you have crowns or loose teeth we need to be aware of?' Sometimes a crown can be dislodged and could enter the lungs or accidently become damaged but its rare but health professionals keep it in mind! ET tubes are standard and LMA's are more for shorter procedures and lighter GA's. A cough or slight hoarseness is normal as the vocal chords can be irritated. Nothing permanent and should subside. Have a talk with your anaesthetist but you really would be deeply asleep and won't know you had an ET tube in. Please try not to worry and focus on the wonderful benefits post op of having new boobs!