# Force feeding as torture?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/force-feeding-as-torture/344877
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [February 16, 2006, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/force-feeding-as-torture/344877 "2006-02-16T22:29:48Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2006, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/force-feeding-as-torture/344877/21 "2006-02-17T20:30:05Z")
> [@Qadgop the Mercotan](#):
>
> Anesthesia has associated risks, even topical anesthesia. Most experts feel that the risks of anesthesia outweigh the benefits from it if the procedure needs doing over and over and over. Frankly, the greatest discomfort tends to be from the first few times the tube passes thru the nasal passages, and from the gag reflex. Repeated nasal intubations tend to be associated with far less discomfort and gagging. If done properly, that is.
I can testify to this. I’ve had nasal feeding tubes inserted without anesthetic. It’s not that bad. You just have to repress your gag reflex.
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### Author:  [@jawdirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jawdirk)
#### Post date: [February 17, 2006, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/force-feeding-as-torture/344877/22 "2006-02-17T20:38:09Z")
> [@Smeghead](#):
>
> I can testify to this. I’ve had nasal feeding tubes inserted without anesthetic. It’s not that bad. You just have to repress your gag reflex.
Sure, but were they the size of a finger? And did the doctor move them back and forth while inserted to increase your agony? Did guards step on one end and jerk your head back to remove them?
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