Can I Do Rib Removal Without Endotracheal Intubation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, do this under IV sedation or local? I’ve done a 6 hour revision open rhijo with rib under local and a breast Aug. I had a feminizing laryngoplasty and don’t want to damage it with a tube for GA. Would like to do rib removal or lux, but without the tube. Is it possible?

A:While I understand the premise of the question you can not do rib removal surgery under any form of anesthesia other than a general. One should not confuse face/neck surgery with invasive body surgery…they are completely different with one being superficial (face ) vs the other being deep. (body) I have have done many transgender patients who have had vocal cord surgery under general with a 6.0 tube and it has never been a problem. But again I certainly understand why you would ask the question.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon