Dental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology
-
Review
Complications from submental endotracheal intubation: a prospective study and literature review.
Submental endotracheal intubation, as compared to the use of tracheotomy, is an alternative for the surgical management of maxillofacial trauma, as described by Altemir FH (The submental route for endotracheal intubation: a new technique. J Maxillofac Surg 1986; 14: 64). Although the submental endotracheal intubation is a useful technique, a wide range of complications have been reported in the literature. ⋯ Case series, as well as retrospective and prospective studies regarding submental endotracheal intubation in maxillofacial trauma, were also reviewed. This study demonstrated a low rate of complications in submental endotracheal intubation and no increase in operative time within the evaluated sample. The submental endotracheal intubation may be considered a simple, secure, and effective technique for operative airway control in major maxillofacial traumas.