Intraoperative Endobronchial Intubation After Successful Submental Intubation

In complex maxillofacial fractures in which orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation are otherwise contraindicated, alternatives for airway management include tracheostomy and submental intubation (SMI). In this case, SMI was used successfully, although it did result in accidental endobronchial intubation intraoperatively that was quickly recognized and managed appropriately. SMI can be a useful method for securing a patient's airway, but like all surgical approaches, it does carry the potential for complications. We report a case involving the use of SMI during which an unintended endobronchial intubation occurred.