How much information did your surgeon give about the procedure?

Hello all, I've been reading alot of information on this site and I now know more than what I was told. Is it true that they place a tube inside you're mouth. And what is this thing that they leave in for two weeks? Please answer these questions and if there are more that you feel I should know please share your info. Thanks again. Arlette

Arlette, Don't panic. Every doctor does things differently, but here is what I gather is pretty much similar for most people. The tube - this is just a tube they put in to help you breathe while you are having surgery. Unless you have SEVERE reflux or apnea, there should be no reason for you to be awake when it goes in or comes out. GOOD NEWS - the process of intubation only takes a few seconds. Call your doc to be sure what to prepare for. If it happens when you are asleep, you'll never know it was there. Some people come home with a drain in their belly. This is a tube that goes into your abdomen and makes sure that while you are healing, all of the fluids your body puts off doesn't build up in your abdomen. It will have a little bag or cup attached to it to collect any fluid. GOOD NEWS - once it is out, you feel like a new person! It can be uncomfortable around your ribcage while you have it, but not an "ohmygosh, I'm gonna die" kind of pain. My doc took mine out before I was discharged. You will do fine! Keep in touch and we'll see you on the other side! Amanda 266/246/going, going, gone!

When I had back surgery, there was a tube inserted down my throat. I had no idea that it had even been there until a week later when my doctor made a reference to it. That was okay with me.

I had laproscopic surgery on the 7th. They placed the ng tube while I was asleep. I never knew it. I did not have to have a drainage tube, and I was not catherterized. I was told at the hospital by every nurse, anesthesiologist, assistant, lab tech, ect., that I had THE BEST doctor in Little Rock for this procedure. I believe it. I am doing great and have lost 15 pounds so far. Just know that your doctor will do what is best for you and himself. Besides, the first couples of days become a blurr as better days come forward. You will be just fine. Just remember, if God has brought you to it, He will get you through it! God bless, Charlene

Hi Arlette, It's normal to be anxious and inquisitive... I asked sooo many questions on the OH Texas board, that I could probably perform the procedure myself, now! lol But, to answer your question, the tube that is inserted into your mouth and down your trachea is an intabation (sp?) tube. It's used to facilitate normal breathing and protect your airway while you are under anesthesia. The other tube is a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain, it's inserted during surgery to allow drainage to "come off" the surgery site, they normally leave it in for a few days after surgery before pulling it out, some say it's excruciating, other say it's not bad, guess that portion of it depends on your pain threshold... Now, please know that I am PRE-op, my surgery is 01/27 but, I have been in the medical field for a long time, and this info is to the best of my knowledge... Also keep in mind that things vary by surgeon... Good luck, Hugs Tamique