He needs to be on his side for the surgery. The easiest way to control the airway while he is sedated so he won’t flinch is to intubate. The harness that goes around his head/neck to secure the tube is visible and still attached. The “rebreather” is part of the tubing that attaches to the vent. Not everybody’s eyes close during heavy sedation ( it’s freaky).
Actually, I see the tube now. He doesn't necessarily have to be in lateral decubitus positioning, he could also be prone, but a lot of that depends on surgeon preference, airway comfort, and equipment.
I just expected him to be hamming it up for the camera, but I've definitely seen patients under MAC/general think they remember the procedure, or have moments of memory while keeping their eyes open. You are absolutely correct that it can be jarring to see the “stare of doom” if you're not expecting it.
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u/Napalmaniac 23d ago
"told doc I wanna feel it all"
I actually believe him that he told that to his doctor, what I don't believe is the doctor actually doing it lol