Question:
Do you have to have a breathing tube in after surgery?

I have heard that you have to have a breathing tube through your nose and throat for about a day after you have laproscopic RYN is that true? Does it hurt?    — Bonnie H. (posted on October 2, 2000)

October 2, 2000
I had Lap RNY on August 21st. No, I did not have a breathing tube in when I woke up in recovery. Ask your doctor specifically if that is his norm, as many doctors have different protocal. Good luck.
   — Jeannet

October 2, 2000
I didn't have a breathing tube. I had a NG tube that went up through my nose and down my throat. That is a very common procedure. I have never talked to or met anyone who has had any type of stomach surgery without having a NG tube when they woke up. I would ask the doctor about the breathing tube, I believe you are only on that when you are in surgery. Hope this helps.
   — [Anonymous]

October 2, 2000
The breathing tube, or intubation, will be in place during the surgery and they will remove it before you awake. The NG tube, which is the nasogastric tube and what you are describing, is a matter of preference amongst doctors whether they leave it in after surgery. I did not have an NG tube upon waking. It was removed before I woke up.
   — Allie B.

October 2, 2000
The endotracheal tube is used to intubate you during induction of anestheia. You are normally extubated (the tube is taken out) immediately before you wake up. If you are very large and difficult to intubate, ie...have a very short neck and very large, or if you have chronic pulmonary problems,then your physician might opt to leave you intubated for a short periord after surgery. This is an individual by individual basis decision. If you do remain intubated you will be in ICU as long as your intubated and will be given sedation to help you rest. Most people do not remain intubated, but it is a possibility. The Nasogastric tube is usually only in for a short periord of time afterwards. Some physicians remove it before you wake up. Good luck to you and try not to worry too much. You will probably be one of the many that wake up without any complications, extubated! Mary Grossa, RN
   — Mary G.