Submental intubation in traumatic maxillofacial surgery

Publication date: Available online 30 September 2019Source: Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical CareAuthor(s): Imen Zouche, Sahar Elleuch, Sondes Briki, Rahma derbelAbstractIn the maxillofacial trauma associated with base of skull fracture, nasotracheal intubation is contraindicated. Surgical repair may require intermaxillary fixation which contraindicate orotracheal intubation. The submental intubation is an interesting alternative to tracheotomy.This type of intubation was used in maxillofacial surgery operating unit in 17 patients with mandibular fracture who require an intermaxillary fixation associated with a skull base fracture that contraindicated nasotracheal intubation.Most lesions were Lefort II fractures. The average time of achievement of intubation was 10 minutes (range : 7-15 minutes). The average duration of intubation was 25 hours (range : 6-48 hours). There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, the only complication was an infection at the incision site in one patient.The submental intubation requires some technical abilities. Furthermore, it is quick to perform and avoids tracheotomy in selected patients.
Source: Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research