General Anesthesia for Singer Too Risky?

Question

I am a professional singer with a rhino scheduled for oct. 23.My Doctor said he thinks general anesthesia will be best for me as I am pretty nervous about the surgery and getting alot done to my nose. What are the chances intubation will cause damage to my vocal chords ? I am NOT willing to risk damage to my singing voice .Also My doctor isnt using regular intubation but has a "shorter" tube that wont damage the vocal chords. Is that a technique that other ent's/ Plastic surgeons commonly use for singers?

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

General anesthesia is the most
common type of anesthesia used during rhinoplasty surgery. The sedative is administered
to ensure the patient’s utmost comfort and to allow the surgeon a wider range
of access to improve the look of the nose. As long as you choose an
experienced, board certified surgeon with a reputable practice, you should rest
assured that the anesthesia administered during your rhinoplasty surgery will
most probably have no adverse effects on your singing voice. I would advise you
to move forward with the nose job, should this be something you have thoroughly
considered, and to avoid getting overly-stressed about the rare risks
associated with anesthesia. Instead of focusing on what can go wrong, focus
your attention on your excitement for your new self-image.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The risk of intubation causing problems with your voice is extremely small.  I understand your apprehension about it, but intubation with rhinoplasty is the safest way to go.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I agree with everything the previous responder summarized so well. The only thing about the LMA is that it doesn't completely protect your lungs from blood which can drip down the back of your throat.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

When general anesthesia is used, a tube is inserted between both vocal cords. There is very small risk to the vocal cords. A very small risk. A "small tube" may mean one of two things, either and LMA (laryngeal mask airway) as Dr. Park suggested above or a smaller diameter tube. The LMA poses almost zero risk to the vocal cords because it does not touch them. The smaller diameter tube poses less of a risk than if a larger tube is used. I think either way, if the anestheisologist is gentle and careful, you will be ok.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

We have performed many Rhinoplasties under general anesthesia, including those done for actors, actresses and singers. I would not allow a singer to be intuibated for a Rhinoplasty but use an LMA instead. An LMA does not go through and between the vocal cords but rather sits above the Larynx. Hope this helps.

General Anesthesia for Singer Too Risky?

Answers (5)