Abstract

LOBO LEANDRO, Luiz Fernando et al. Submental intubation: experience with 30 cases. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2015, vol.37, n.3, pp.132-137. ISSN 2173-9161.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maxilo.2013.12.001.

Introduction: When a patient has multiple injuries, involving serious fractures in the maxillofacial region and base of skull, a tracheostomy is often performed to approach the different affected facial thirds simultaneously. Submental intubation offers an alternative to this type of airway management, involving a decreased risk for the patient due to its safety and versatility in treating nasal fractures and re-establishment of dental occlusion. Materials: A total of 30 patients with different degrees of involvement of the facial thirds (superior, middle and inferior) were treated by our team, performing a submental intubation to maintain the airway. These fractures affected nasal bones and dental occlusion. Results: In all cases we accomplished an adequate reduction of nasal fractures and obtained an accurate dental occlusion, with no incidents during or after this intubation. Conclusions: Submental intubation is a good alternative to treat multiple injury patients who have nasal and oral cavities involvement, avoiding the use of tracheostomy in cases that do not need it.

Keywords : Submental intubation; Multiple injuries; Tracheostomy; Airway.

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