Complications from submental endotracheal intubation: a prospective study and literature review

Submental endotracheal intubation, as compared to the use of tracheotomy, is an alternative for the surgical management of maxillofacial trauma, as described by Altemir FH (The submental route for endotracheal intubation: a new technique. J Maxillofac Surg 1986; 14: 64). Although the submental endotracheal intubation is a useful technique, a wide range of complications have been reported in the literature. The core aim of this article is to present additional data from 17 patients who have undergone submental endotracheal intubation and who have received at least 6 months of postoperative follow up. A prospective study was carried out on patients who suffered maxillofacial trauma between 2008 and 2011. Age, gender, etiology of trauma, fracture type, complications, and follow up were evaluated. Case series, as well as retrospective and prospective studies regarding submental endotracheal intubation in maxillofacial trauma, were also reviewed. This study demonstrated a low rate of complications in submental endotracheal intubation and no increase in operative time within the evaluated sample. The submental endotracheal intubation may be considered a simple, secure, and effective technique for operative airway control in major maxillofacial traumas.