GA question

[clairethewitch70]

Does anyone know if a tube is put down throat for general anaesthesia?

If so I will need to cancel.

[anotherangel2]

Yes but not until you are unconscious and it is removed before you are conscious.

[reallybadidea]

A tube itself isn't always put down the throat during a GA. Depends on a number of factors. I think you should speak with an anaesthetist before making a decision to cancel.

[Walkingthroughawall]

The type of airway we use depends on many things (relating to the surgery/your normal health/the anaesthetic). You won't be aware of whichever airway it is though because you'll be asleep. Talk to your anaesthetist on the day & they'll be able to explain what they're doing & why.

[RocketPockets]

Not always. They use different types depending on surgery/health/type of anaesthetic.
As pp said speak to the anaesthetist they may be able to ease your worries

[PaddyF0dder]

Some sort of breathing tube, yes. For minor procedures it’s nornally not a full intubation like you see on telly. It would be a Laryngeal Mask, which is a silicone cap put near the larynx.

You’ll be asleep before it gets put in. And you’ll be asleep when it gets taken out. You won’t be aware of it at all.

I had a minor operation (under general anaesthetic) about 2 months ago, and had a laryngeal mask airway as part of it. My throat was slightly sore for a day or two after. But the discomfort was basically what you’d get with a minor cold.

Don’t worry and definitely don’t cancel the operation.

[clairethewitch70]

There is no way I am going to let them put anything in my throat, unconscious or not. I have dysphagia and a weak swallow and can't afford to let it be compromised anymore.

It is for a biopsy, so diagnostic.

I have no appointment before hand with an anaesthetist, I have ask for one, but no pre op appointment likely to be available.

[SleepingStandingUp]

There are other options op, keep pushing for an appt, even a phone call, with someone.

[clairethewitch70]

It can't be done with spinal, due to my spinal issues (recently had a failed LP due to severe stenosis.) Can't do nerve block as I have had radio frequency ablations done recently on major nerves in both legs. Can't do local as it will compromise the tissue sample..

[clairethewitch70]

Quadricep muscle biopsy.

[PoirotDidIt]

Is there evidence that it makes dysphagia worse?

How about calling PALS and explaining your concerns - they may be able to get a relevant professional to call you or sort out an appointment, given your specific concerns.

FWIW I've been fully intubated under GA twice, and not even had a sore throat. They mentioned I had to have the full tube because of the position I would be in during the op so you might not need it.

[clairethewitch70]

What is PALS? I won't risk my dysphagia what ever dr's say. I have had GA twice before pre dysphagia and had a really sore throat both times. Also anaesthetist would not do GA last time unless I went to HDU after. This hosp has no HDU, and want to discharge soon after. No one has asked me any questions! I now have a heart condition too.

[clairethewitch70]

Tried ringing Consultant who referred me for biopsy and one doing biopsy, and secretaries lines just ring and ring.

[Orchidflower1]

Could you transfer care to another hospital? Even if it means travelling? Sometimes consultants work at different hospitals.

[Walkingthroughawall]

Intubation won't interfere with your swallowing. A laryngeal mask airway is significantly bigger than a tracheal tube...and also won't interfere with your swallowing.

We regularly anaesthetise patients with motor neurone disease, Parkinsons, MS & all sorts of other causes of poor swallow, all with no problems at all.

A quads muscle biopsy wouldn't routinely require intubation, but only the anaesthetist looking after you will be able to decide if there are other reasons that would make intubation safer.

If you are seriously going to cancel then please do it before the date so that someone else can have that theatre slot.

[MadisonMontgomery]

Honestly I wouldn’t get yourself worked up about it, you won’t even know.

[PoirotDidIt]

PALS is the Patient Advice and Liaision Service, there's one for each (geographical) area.
They have to do a pre-op appointment, surely? I thought it was standard! Definitely contact PALS, something doesn't sound right.

[clairethewitch70]

Thanks walkingthroughawall I have suspected mitochondrial myopathy (father, uncle &grandmother died of this). Would they do a GA if I specified nothing in my throat?

[Walkingthroughawall]

No.

It sounds as if you need a face-to-face discussion with the anaesthetist & surgeon who are looking after you (rather than an online discussion with people being drip fed information) - that's the only way you're going to get definitive advice.

Unfortunately for you there is a balance of risk and benefit to weigh up and you're the only one that can do that (but you can only do that after discussing it with the people who'll actually be looking after you).

The risk if you proceed is small in terms of worsening dysphagia but, by having the procedure, you may well get the diagnosis (and treatment) you need. By not proceeding you will avoid any (small) risk from having a GA but still be none the wiser about the diagnosis (and therefore potentially be depriving yourself of treatment...or indeed reassurance if it turns out not to be the thing they're worried about).

If the surgeon were aware that you're not prepared to have a GA then they may reconsider the option of doing under local. The best case scenario would be that you might just get the results. The worst case is that you won't, but at least you've had a go.

[PaddyF0dder]

“I won't risk my dysphagia what ever dr's say”

Sounds like you’ve made up your mind.