Submental intubation in panfacial injuries: our experience

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Panfacial fractures pose significant airway management challenges for anesthesiologists and surgeons.
• Conventional intubation techniques (orotracheal, nasotracheal) and tracheostomy have limitations in these complex injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the submental intubation technique in patients with panfacial fractures.
• To present our experience with this alternative airway management strategy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 10 patients with panfacial injuries requiring airway management.
• Submental intubation technique was employed when conventional methods were deemed unsuitable.

Main Results:

• Successful airway management was achieved in all 10 patients using the submental route.
• The technique provided a secure airway alternative in complex facial trauma.

Conclusions:

• Submental intubation is an effective and safe alternative for airway management in patients with panfacial fractures.
• This technique should be considered when conventional airway access is compromised or contraindicated.