title: Submental orotracheal intubation: A better alternative to tracheostomy in panfacial fractures.
abstract: Surgical repair of complex maxillofacial trauma presents a challenge to the surgeon and anaesthetist. Submental intubation is an alternative where oral and nasal intubation cannot be used. We present a case where tracheostomy was avoided in a patient with multiple maxillofacial fractures by opting for sub-mental endotracheal intubation technique. Time required for intubation, accidental extubation, postoperative complications, and the healing of intraoral and submental scars were evaluated. The technique avoids the complications associated with tracheostomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, RKDF Dental College and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Prasant Mohan
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Chandra
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, S.M.B.T. Dental College, Sangamner Taluka, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Fareedi Mukram
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, RKDF Dental College and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Anuroop
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singhai
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, S.M.B.T. Dental College, Sangamner Taluka, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Anupama
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mudhol
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Farheen
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ustad
keywords: Complex maxillofacial trauma; intubation; submental intubation; tracheostomy