Advances in Human Biology (Jan 2015)
Sub Mental Intubation in Facio-Maxillary Injury
Abstract
Background: Airway management in patient with Facio-Maxillary injury is challenging due to disruption of components of upper airway, and anesthesiologist has to share the airway with the surgeons. Submental Endotracheal Intubation is safe, simple and useful technique, where oral and nasal Endotracheal Intubation cannot be performed. It avoids tracheostomy and its consequent morbidity. Here is described a case of Submental endotracheal Intubation in a 52 years old patient with panfacial trauma (FMI). He was schedule for surgical reconstruction involving Maxilo-Mandibular Fixation. Intermittent intra-operative, dental occlusion was needed to check alignment of fractured segment. Patient had nasal bone fracture and crush injury to tongue and its challenging task for an anesthesiologist to manage such airway without further damage to upper airway. Several techniques have been proposed. In this case Submental endotracheal Intubation technique for surgery with the help of surgeon was used and intra operative and post-operative period was uneventful.
