Efficacy and complications of submental tracheal intubation compared with tracheostomy in maxillofacial trauma patients

Abstract

Submental tracheal intubation is a technique for use in patients with maxillofacial trauma. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of this technique compared with tracheostomy. Twenty-five patients underwent submental tracheal intubation since 2001. Submental tracheal intubation was performed in cases needing intermaxillary fixation complicated by a nasal pyramid or anterior skull base fracture. No severe perioperative or long-term complications were noted. Intra- and postoperative complications were observed in three patients. In one case, the tube was accidentally dislodged into the right main bronchus during submental tracheal intubation. Two patients developed skin infections. Submental scarring was undetectable, except for one patient with slight scarring. Submental tracheal intubation avoids the complications associated with tracheostomy and the difficulty of nasal intubation during intubation and surgery. Therefore, submental tracheal intubation is useful in the intraoperative management of patients with complex maxillofacial trauma.