What type of anesthesia will I need for treating a traumatic tongue injury?

Types of anesthesia delivery are related to the extent of injury, duration, and type of surgery. General anesthesia includes the use of an endotracheal tube (GETA). An endotracheal tube provides a way to protect the airway and deliver anesthesia. Another choice is a Laryngeal Mask airway (LMA), a tube that is passed down the throat and rests with a seal around the larynx. Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) can also be administered with support of a person’s airway by positioning, oral and/or nasal airways. The surgery may not require the loss of consciousness associated with general anesthesia. Another choices, such a sedation, and local anesthesia are possibilities. All these choices must be discussed with the anesthesiologist and surgeon prior to surgery or treatment.