Which procedure is critical during surgeries to maintain airflow?

Intubation is a critical procedure during surgeries to maintain airflow because it involves placing a tube into the animal’s trachea, allowing for direct access to the airway. This is essential for delivering anesthetic gases and ensuring that the patient can breathe effectively throughout the procedure. Proper intubation helps protect the airway and prevents the risk of aspiration, ensuring that the animal remains stable and receives adequate ventilation.

Anesthetizing the animal is important for pain control and unconsciousness but does not directly ensure the airway is open. Radiography is a diagnostic tool, not a surgical procedure, and does not play a role in maintaining airflow during surgery. Monitoring devices are crucial for tracking vital signs, but they are not responsible for maintaining the physical airway itself. Therefore, intubation is the most appropriate choice for ensuring uninterrupted airflow during surgical procedures.