How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

Question

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for patients to have a mild sore throat for a day or two after surgery due to the breathing tube used during the procedure.  Some patients experience no soreness at all.  It is usually relieved with simple home remedies such as hot tea and honey or water.

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

Usually, the airway doesn't have to heal at all. The airway can be irritated for 1-2 days after having a breathing tube placed, but that is usually rare and not every time. Warm tea with honey, or numbing throat sprays can be used if your throat is sore after surgery.

T. Randall Blanchard, MD, FACS · Answer

Pain in your throat following general surgery is uncommon but when it occurs, it is usually due to endotracheal intubation, that is the breathing tube is placed past your vocal cords into your trachea. This type of discomfort generally lasts just a few hours to a couple of days. In our facility, we prefer to use an LMA tube (laryngeal mask airway) as opposed to an endotracheal tube in the majority of cases. This type of airway is placed above the trachea and avoids some of the post op issues associated with endotracheal intubation.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Most people have no issues after surgery with their airway.  Sometimes there will be a soreness for 1-3 days but that's it.  Lozenges help.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  If your anesthesia provider used an ET tube you may have a sore throat for a few days after the procedure.  If they used an LMA tube you can have soreness along the back of your mouth for about 24-48 hours.  Hope this helps.

How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

Answers (8)

Answer: Airway issues after intubation

Answer: Airway issues after intubation

Answer: How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

Answer: How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

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How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

Answers (8)

Answer: Airway issues after intubation

Answer: Airway issues after intubation

Answer: How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

Answer: How long does it take your airway to heal after surgery once they take out the tube?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.