Novel alternative for submental intubation - A case report.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Submental intubation is a preferred airway management technique for maxillofacial surgeries, offering better surgical access than tracheostomy.
• Conventional submental intubation can be complicated by soft tissue obstruction and clot formation within the endotracheal tube.

Observation:

• A novel technique utilizing a laparoscopic trocar for submental intubation was employed in a patient undergoing maxillofacial fracture repair.
• The laparoscopic trocar facilitated endotracheal tube insertion by creating adequate space, avoiding the need for blunt dissection.

Findings:

• This modified technique resulted in significantly reduced soft tissue trauma.
• The procedure was notably faster than conventional submental intubation methods.
• The laparoscopic trocar approach proved to be a one-step, efficient method.

Implications:

• Submental intubation with a laparoscopic trocar presents a less invasive and more time-efficient alternative for airway management in maxillofacial trauma.
• This technique has the potential to decrease operative time and patient morbidity.
• Further research could explore broader applications of this innovative approach in complex airway management scenarios.