Tag: Intubation

The i-gel® supraglottic airway device (SAD) has gained popularity not only as a primary ventilation device but also as a conduit for endotracheal intubation [1.2.1]. This article explores the central question: can you intubate down an iGel, and what determines a successful outcome?

While not all surgical procedures require a breathing tube, **do patients get intubated during surgery?** Yes, it is a routine and critical part of airway management for many major or lengthy operations performed under general anesthesia.

Over one-third of all general anesthesia cases do not require a breathing tube, dispelling the common myth that everyone gets intubated when having surgery. The method of airway management is a critical decision made by the anesthesia care team based on several factors, including the type of procedure and the patient's health.

Approximately 850,000 knee arthroscopy procedures, which often include meniscus surgery, are performed annually in the United States, yet many patients are unsure about the required anesthesia. While general anesthesia might involve a breathing tube, the answer to "Do you get intubated for meniscus surgery?" is not a simple "yes," as several anesthetic options are available depending on the patient and procedure.

In a study of over 42,000 surgeries, the incidence of difficult endotracheal intubation was 2.6 per 1,000 cases [1.8.3]. This highlights the careful considerations anesthesiologists make when deciding **why do some surgeries require a breathing tube** to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes.

Millions of intubations are performed annually for surgical procedures in the U.S. alone. A medical team determines what surgeries do you get a breathing tube for based on factors like the type and duration of the procedure, the type of anesthesia, and the patient's overall health.

According to the National Institutes of Health, receiving general anesthesia for surgery can cause a person to stop breathing deeply enough on their own. For this reason, it is completely normal to be put on a ventilator during surgery that requires general anesthesia. A team of medical professionals manages this process to ensure your breathing and oxygen levels remain stable throughout the procedure.

According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, more than 90% of hip and knee joint replacement surgeries are performed under regional anesthesia, which often means patients are *not* intubated. Understanding whether you are intubated during knee surgery depends on the specific type of anesthetic technique chosen for your procedure, a decision made collaboratively with your medical team.

The incidence of postoperative sore throat after intubation for general anesthesia can be as high as 90% in some cases [1.3.7]. So, **what type of anesthesia requires intubation?** The primary answer is **general anesthesia**, especially for long or complex surgeries [1.3.4].

For scheduled surgeries requiring general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will insert a breathing tube after the patient is asleep. This established sequence is a fundamental safety protocol, ensuring patient comfort, relaxation, and protection before the invasive intubation procedure begins.