Anest. intenziv. Med. 2004;15(5):224-228

Submental Intubation: Surgical andAnaesthesiological AspectsArticles

M. J. Koudstaal¹, K. G. H. Van Der Wal¹, C. Mallios², J. Rupreht²

¹ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam

² Department of Anesthetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam

The aim of this report from our practice is to evaluate the submental intubation during procedures and postoperatively inpatients with craniomaxillofacial trauma and corrections of craniofacial anomalies. Between June 2001 and May 2002 thesubmental endotracheal intubation was performed in 5 patients with craniomaxillofacial trauma and in 2 patients withcraniofacial anomalies, the Dubowitz syndrome (Le Fort II osteotomy and distraction) and a patient known with a doublecleft lip alveolus and palate (Le Fort I osteotomy and distraction).The impression is that the submental intubation is a handy,fast and safe technique, which provides an airway in cases of severe mandibular and craniomaxillofacial trauma and incorrections of craniofacial anomalies. It enables the surgeon an excellent view and access to of the operation field andpermits optimal intra-operative control of the occlusion. No post-operative intubation related complications were seen.

Keywords: intubation; submental; indications

Published: October 1, 2004  Show citation