Avoiding the Tracheostomy Trap: A Case for Submental Intubation in Facial Fracture Repair

Chhaya  Suryawanshi; Sabyasachi  Mohapatra; Dharmesh  Gandhi

doi:10.18502/aacc.v12i4.21807

Chhaya Suryawanshi Department of Anaesthesiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, University of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India.
Sabyasachi Mohapatra Department of Anaesthesiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, University of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India.
Dharmesh Gandhi Department of Anaesthesiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, University of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v12i4.21807

Keywords: Submental intubation; maxillofacial trauma; ORIF; Airway management; Mandibular fracture; Panfacial fracture; Anesthesia in trauma

Abstract

Submental intubation presents a practical alternative to tracheostomy for airway management in maxillofacial trauma, especially when nasal and oral routes are not viable. We present a 24-year-old male who sustained bilateral parasymphysis fracture along with right zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC), and nasomaxillary complex fractures. He was posted for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) under general anesthesia. For clear surgical access while maintaining a secure airway, submental intubation was performed. This case highlights the safety and effectiveness of submental intubation in selected cases of facial trauma.