top of page

I am having non-airway surgery – what should I tell my surgeon?

If you must go into hospital for an operation for something other than your stenosis, then please follow this checklist:

​

  • Advise your airway surgeon of your upcoming operation, and put him or her in touch with your other surgeon – if you can have the surgery at the same hospital your airway surgeon works at then that will be beneficial

  • Talk to your surgeon about using a laryngeal mask (LMA) or an epidural rather than being intubated for your operation – avoid anything going down your trachea

  • If you need to be intubated, ensure the anaesthesiologist is aware they will need to use a paediatric airway tube – possibly size 4.5.  o Insist the tube is no larger than a size 5.5 or 6, and they must use a cuff manometer to measure cuff pressure.

 

Preparation is essential – all doctors want to avoid causing you harm, so if you can help this situation by being your own advocate, this will be advantageous.

 

Here is an example email you may want to use to contact your anaesthetist prior to your surgery. Copy your airway surgeon and your non-airway surgeon to the message:

Dear Dr [insert name]

I am having an operation with Dr [name] on [date] and I understand you are to be my anaesthetist.

 

I am writing to make you aware that I have Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis. I have attached a document which explains more about the disease and how it impacts patients' airways. [You have permission to share this Rough Guide]

Ideally, I will not be intubated for this surgery - if possible, I would prefer a Laryngeal Mask Airway. If I do need to be intubated, I respectfully request:

  • Intubation with a small tube - preferably no larger than 6.0mm [smaller if your airway doctor recommends]

  • ETT cuff pressure measurements (suggested 20-30 cm H2O pressure?)

  • Glide-scope / fibre-optic intubation, if available.

 

My breathing is good currently with a peak flow of [insert latest PEF number].  Of course, I defer to your professional expertise in providing me with the safest care possible.

​

Many thanks, and I look forward to meeting you. If you would like to talk to me prior to [surgery date], my phone number is [insert number].

​

Kind regards… 

bottom of page