The submental route revisited using the laryngeal mask airway: a technical note

The submental route for endotracheal intubation is well known and this paper reports the use of the same route for the laryngeal mask airway. This technique can be used whenever it is considered too awkward to perform submental, transoral or transnasal endotracheal intubations. When the surgery has been completed, the mouth is left open to allow the laryngeal mask to be removed; it cannot be left in place in cases of intermaxillary fixation. It is necessary to detach the laryngeal mask orally, never submentally, as it is impossible to remove the mask via the submental route.