Talk to your anesthesiologist

If you ever need to have surgery, as a singer you must know how to protect your voice.  For larger or longer procedures such as abdominal surgery you will more then likely have to be intubated. What does that mean? In order to keep your oxygen saturation up, the anesthesiologist once you are put under, will force an oxygen tube past your vocal folds directly into your lungs.  This can definitely cause problems, possibly even abrasions on your vocal cords!  When you consult with your doctor about your surgical procedure, be sure to let tell him or her that you are a singer.  The day of surgery you will meet with your anesthesiologist shortly before your procedure. Be sure to discuss with them the method by which you will be put under.  If you have to be intubated then ask the anesthesiologist to use the smallest tube possible to reduce the potential risks on your vocal cords.  You can also ask them if they can use a laryngeal mask or shield instead of a tube. The laryngeal mask rests above your vocal cords and although it is very drying, it does not come in contact with your vocal cords so there is no potential damage left behind.  Remember, when you are a singer, you must always advocate for yourself and your voice.