Intubation is a vital medical procedure applied to patients who have difficulty breathing on their own or cannot breathe at all. This process supports the patient’s breathing, ensures that the body receives enough oxygen, and helps organs function properly. At Erdem Hospital, we provide safe and effective intubation procedures to manage the treatment process in the best possible way.
What Does Intubation (Being Intubated) Mean?
Intubation involves inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe) to support the patient’s breathing. This procedure is crucial during surgeries requiring general anesthesia or for patients experiencing severe respiratory failure.
What is the Purpose of Intubation?
Intubation is performed when a patient cannot breathe independently. Its main purposes include:
✔️ Keeping the airway open for proper airflow to the lungs.
✔️ Supporting respiration to ensure adequate oxygen supply to vital organs.
✔️ Controlling the airway during anesthesia.
✔️ Assisting patients suffering from respiratory failure.
In some cases, a ventilator may be required to support breathing after intubation. Once the patient’s condition improves, the intubation is discontinued, and the breathing tube is removed.
When is Intubation Necessary?
At Erdem Hospital, intubation is typically performed in the following cases:
🔹 Surgeries requiring general anesthesia
🔹 Severe respiratory failure
🔹 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
🔹 Lung infections, such as pneumonia
🔹 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory disorders
🔹 Breathing complications caused by viral infections, such as COVID-19
How is Intubation Performed?
✔️ The patient is placed on their back in the correct position.
✔️ A tube is carefully inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea.
✔️ The correct placement of the tube is confirmed using a stethoscope or imaging techniques.
✔️ The tube is secured, and the patient is connected to a ventilator to support breathing.
For infants and young children, specially designed smaller equipment is used, and the procedure is carried out with extra precision.
Is Intubation Risky?
As with any medical procedure, intubation carries some risks. However, at Erdem Hospital, our specialists take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful process. Possible risks include:
🔹 Temporary sore throat and hoarseness
🔹 Mild irritation in the trachea
🔹 Rare cases of lung infections
For patients requiring prolonged ventilator support, additional measures are taken to minimize potential complications.
What Happens After Intubation?
Once the patient stabilizes, the breathing tube is removed through a process called extubation. If additional respiratory support is needed, our medical team will implement the necessary treatment plans.
At Erdem Hospital, we are dedicated to ensuring the safest and most effective intubation procedures. Our expert medical team and state-of-the-art equipment guarantee that each patient receives the best possible care.
🔹 For more information about intubation, feel free to contact us.