Avoiding the Tracheostomy Trap: A Case for Submental Intubation in Facial Fracture Repair
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Abstract
Submental intubation presents a practical alternative to tracheostomy for airway management in maxillofacial trauma, especially when nasal and oral routes are not viable. We present a 24-year-old male who sustained bilateral parasymphysis fracture along with right zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC), and nasomaxillary complex fractures. He was posted for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) under general anesthesia. For clear surgical access while maintaining a secure airway, submental intubation was performed. This case highlights the safety and effectiveness of submental intubation in selected cases of facial trauma.
[1] Hernández Altemir F. The submental route for endotracheal intubation: a new technique. J Maxillofac Surg. 1986;14(1):64-65.
[2] Amin M, Dill-Russell P, Manisali M, Lee R, Sinton I. Facial fractures and submental intubation. Anaesthesia. 2002;57(12):1195-1199.
[3] Taglialatela Scafati C, Iannetti G. Submental intubation in maxillofacial trauma: a technical note. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2005;33(6):393-397.
[4] MacInnis E, Baig M, Al-Ali S. Submental intubation: a literature review and case series. Anesth Prog. 2012;59(2):75-79.
[5] Meyer C, Valfrey J, Dégardin N, Goudot P. Submental route for intubation in maxillofacial surgery: review of the literature and analysis of 103 cases. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2008;36(4):278-282.
[2] Amin M, Dill-Russell P, Manisali M, Lee R, Sinton I. Facial fractures and submental intubation. Anaesthesia. 2002;57(12):1195-1199.
[3] Taglialatela Scafati C, Iannetti G. Submental intubation in maxillofacial trauma: a technical note. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2005;33(6):393-397.
[4] MacInnis E, Baig M, Al-Ali S. Submental intubation: a literature review and case series. Anesth Prog. 2012;59(2):75-79.
[5] Meyer C, Valfrey J, Dégardin N, Goudot P. Submental route for intubation in maxillofacial surgery: review of the literature and analysis of 103 cases. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2008;36(4):278-282.
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| Issue | Article in Press |
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| Section | Case Report(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Submental intubation maxillofacial trauma ORIF airway management mandibular fracture panfacial fracture anesthesia in trauma. | ||
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How to Cite
1.
Suryawanshi C, Mohapatra S, Gandhi D. Avoiding the Tracheostomy Trap: A Case for Submental Intubation in Facial Fracture Repair. Arch Anesth & Crit Care. 2026;.
