A modified method of submental oroendotracheal intubation
Nwoku, A.L.; Al-Balawi, S.A.; Al-Zahrani, S.A.
Saudi Medical Journal 23(1): 73-76
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 11938368 Document Number: 542293
Objective: The aim of this paper is to present a modification of submental intubation in the management of airway. Methods: Following usual oroendotracheal intubation, the tube and cuff are exteriorized through a laterosubmental incision, and connected to the anesthetic machine. Results: Ten patients comprising 8 panfacial fractures and 2 orthognathic surgical cases have successfully been managed with this approach. There were no complications, no morbidity, and the scar was inconspicuous and esthetically pleasing. Conclusions: The laterosubmental intubation technique is simple, efficacious in the management of severe maxillofacial injuries, orthognathic surgical cases with nasal obstruction and in plastic surgery for concomitant approach to rhytidectomy, lip correction and rhinoplasty. This approach deserves to be widely propagated among specialists working on the face.