Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 3/27/2008

Question
I am having upper jaw surgery in a couple months to correct an open bite.  What
type of anesthesia will they put me under, and will I have to have a breathing
tube, etc. ?  I'm more nervous about being "put under" than I am of the surgery
itself!  Thanks for sharing your thoughts and anything that might help alleviate
my fears!

Answer
I assume you will have general anesthesia, in which case you will have a breathing tube. There is nothing to fear about being put under. If you are otherwise healthy, the risks of a major complication from anesthesia is less than 1:100,000. The anesthesiologist's entire job is to pay attention to your vital signs while the surgeon operates. We are more attuned to what goes on with your body than you are when you're awake, and we have the training to deal with any emergency that might come up. So don't worry, the sleep you get from the anesthesia will be the most restful you've ever had.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston