Evaluation of submental approach for oro-endotracheal intubation in maxillofacial trauma

Abstract

Introduction: In maxillofacial injuries, a choice has often to be made between different ways of intubation when surgical access to fractured nasal bone and simultaneous establishment of occlusion are required. We report our experience with submental intubation in the airway management of complex maxillofacial trauma patients and complication associated with it. The aim is to evaluate the outcome of airway management in patients with complex maxillofacial trauma by submental intubation. Materials and Methods: Fifteen cases reporting to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of a tertiary care hospital, with multiple facial trauma from September 2011 to September 2013 were selected for study. Median submental intubation was performed. Follow-up during hospitalization for wound associated complication and 3 months postoperatively was done. Results: At the end of the procedure, all 15 patients were extubated without any complications. Postoperatively, only one patient presented with superficial infection of the submental wound. Conclusion: Submental endotracheal intubation is a simple technique with very low morbidity and can be used as an alternative to tracheostomy in selected cases of maxillofacial trauma.