How Do You Protect Airways During Rhinoplasty?

     The only way to truly protect an airway is to have a secure airway, which is only possible with general anesthesia.  If you are really worried about aspiration, then local and sedation is not the best alternative.  If you are doing straight local, then airway reflexes would be intact and there should not be a true risk for aspiration.  However, this may not be comfortable if any bony work is undertaken.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

The airway is typically protected by minimizing bleeding and ensuring that any blood does not wind up in the airway. This is achieved with meticulous technique and using pledgets to absorb any bleeding. With deeper sedation, the airway can be maintained with an oral airway or a breathing tube in the case of general anesthesia. No technique is foolproof so ensure that you undergo surgery in an accredited facility with a board certified and experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon working alongside an experienced anesthesiologist. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSWeber Facial Plastic Surgery

The rhinoplasty procedure can be performed with either general anesthesia or IV sedation. If using IV sedation, the surgeon usually places a small amount of packing in the back of the nose to prevent any blood or secretions to run down the back of the nose and into the airway.