Why Are You Intubated During Surgery?

Intubation lets a machine breathe for you. That's why your anesthesiologist (the doctor who puts you to sleep for surgery) might intubate you. Your doctor also may do it if you have an injury or illness that makes it hard to breathe. That's because breathing provides oxygen that every cell in your body needs.

Do they always intubate during surgery?

Intubation is required when general anesthesia is given. The anesthesia drugs paralyze the muscles of the body, including the diaphragm, which makes it impossible to take a breath without a ventilator. Most patients are extubated, meaning the breathing tube is removed, immediately after surgery.

Why do they put a tube down your throat during surgery?

A tube may be placed in your throat to help you breathe. During surgery or the procedure, the physician anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs to make sure they are normal and steady while you remain unconscious and free of pain.