Anesthetist's Perception Towards Submental Intubation: A Questionnaire Study.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Airway Management
• Craniofacial Trauma

Background:

• Submental intubation provides surgical access to the oral and nasal regions.
• It allows for unimpeded airflow to the lungs during procedures.
• This technique serves as an alternative to tracheostomy in specific cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess anesthesiologists' perceptions and familiarity with submental intubation.
• To evaluate the safety and complication rates associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based prospective randomized analysis was conducted in Odisha, India.
• 97 anesthesiologists received a 16-question self-structured questionnaire.
• Data was collected between January 20, 2023, and May 20, 2023.

Main Results:

• 43% of males and 46% of females were familiar with submental intubation.
• 56% of females and 43% of males had performed or assisted with the procedure.
• No complications or adverse events were reported (p=0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Submental intubation is a safe and effective airway management technique for selected craniofacial trauma patients.
• Familiarity with this technique can help avoid tracheostomy in certain cases.
• The procedure is technique-sensitive and requires specific expertise.