Can a patient request nasal intubation for their surgery instead of endotracheal intubation?

Thanks for your inquiry and interesting question. A nasal intubation could be performed but in many techniques requires the blade of laryngoscope to perform the intubation. A nasoendoscope or other imaging devices could be used to make the entire intubation nasal based, but in case of any technical challenges might have to be addressed through the mouth again as well. Please discuss with your surgeon's anesthesiologist if this is feasible in the setting your surgery would be performed and best of luck.

Thanks for your question.
This is something you would need to discuss with your surgeon. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

You can request nasal intubation but I encourage you to discuss your concerns with the anesthesiologist prior to your surgery day. It's important that you feel comfortable and confident in your surgery and surgical team as you prepare. This includes having your questions ed answered and concerns addressed.

You could request a nasal intubation but the anesthetist may not want to do it because a nasal intubation is much more traumatic and uncomfortable and less safe than an oral intubation. The anesthetist and your surgeon are interested in what is best for you. Trust them.

The nasal tube and oral tube both are placed through your vocal cords into your throat. Neither intubation process will damage your jaw, and the amount of "trauma" with intubation is actually greater with nasal intubation. However, you can request nasal intubation if your septum is not severely deviated.

You would be much safer using an oral approach to intubation. If you use the nasal approach, It is much more difficult and still requires manipulation of the jaw. Anesthesiologist have much better control, and someone who has plenty of experience should have no problems and should not cause any soft tissue injury.