Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery
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J Craniomaxillofac Surg · Sep 2006
Submental endotracheal intubation in concurrent orthognathic surgery: a technical note.
Achieving the necessary occlusion for orthognathic surgery is not possible with conventional oral intubation since the tube interferes with the occluding teeth. Sometimes nasotracheal intubation is impossible due to developmental malformations requiring repair. Also, the oral or nasotracheal tube may interfere with the operation or may be damaged during the procedure. In 1986, Hernandez Altemir described a method of submental endotracheal intubation. His intentions were to avoid tracheostomy in maxillofacial trauma cases where short-term intermaxillary fixation was required. ⋯ The technique is easy to use, rapid and free of complications compared to 'alternative' intubation methods (tracheostomy, retromolar location of tube, etc.). Submental scarring is acceptable. It is recommended for orthognathic procedures in selected cases.