Submental intubation: A solution for anesthetic dilemma in mid- and panfacial fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Faciomaxillary injuries are very common following trauma, specifically following road traffic accidents. Many a time, those injured present with panfacial fractures. Such patients need urgent surgical attention for stabilization and fixation of the fractures. Materials and Method: The patient is intubated by oral route in the conventional manner with an armored tracheal tube as the first step. This tube is taken out externally via a mucosal incision in the floor of mouth and submental incision and connected with the ventilator. The cuff is inflated and the tube is secured with the suture with the skin. The skin and the mucosal incisions are closed. Discussion: Securing the endotracheal tube during the operation for patients with panfacial fracture without coming in the way of oral procedure always poses a problem for the anesthetist. Fracture of the base of the skull or the naso-orbital ethmoid complex excludes the option of nasal intubation, while oral intubation would prevent the surgeon from obtaining a proper occlusion. In these circumstances, submental intubation is a simple and safe procedure that can be carried out. However, if a patient needs prolonged intubation even after surgery due to upper respiratory obstruction, tracheostomy remains the procedure of choice. Conclusion: Submental intubation is helpful in allowing the surgeon to operate intraorally and ensure proper dental occlusion in patients with panfacial fractures.