Submental endotracheal intubation in maxillofacial surgery: case report

Abstract

Airway management in maxillofacial surgery is usually performed with oral and nasal endotracheal intubation. The patient in maxillofacial trauma with cranial base fracture, the surgeon needs to control dental occlusion with maxilla-mandibular fixation and closed reduction nasal fracture. For these reasons, oral and nasal intubation is contra-indicated. Tracheostomy may lead to perioperative and postoperative complications. Submental endotracheal intubation is alternative technique. It provides secure airway and does not interfere for maxilla-mandibular fixation or access to nasal fracture.

A case report of 16 years old male presented with fracture Le Fort II maxilla, nasal bone and left zygoma, treated by closed reduction with arch bar and sling for fracture maxilla and closed reduction nasal bone under general anesthesia with submental endotracheal intubation. No complication occurred intraoperative and postoperative period. This case report was performed submental endotracheal intubation, an alternative technique for perioperative airway control in maxillofacial patients.