Intubation During Surgery: What to Expect & Why

Intubation is not always required; it depends on surgery type and patient health. Intubation inserts a tube into the trachea (windpipe) to assist breathing, typically used under general anesthesia (complete unconsciousness).

Methods: usually through mouth (orotracheal) or nose (nasotracheal). Intubation ensures adequate airway and facilitates breathing, especially when surgery affects breathing or patient cannot breathe independently. Risks are generally low.

Other anesthesia types (regional, local) numb specific areas or block pain without full unconsciousness, used for certain surgeries instead of general anesthesia.