Submental intubation in maxillofacial trauma patients: A review of literature

Abstract

Submental intubation is a simple, safe, low morbidity technique for operative airway management in maxillofacial trauma patients, when there are fractures involving the nasal region and concomitant dental occlusal disturbances.Severe maxillofacial injuries usually require intraoperative intermaxillary fixation to achieve optimum reduction of fractures and access to the nasal pyramid. Thus herein, we review certain articles pertaining to submental intubation, its anatomic relevance, technique, indications, contraindications, and modifications in this technique.