The submental endotracheal intubation as an alternative to tracheostomy in selected cases of the facial fracture: literature review and technique report.

The intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is an essential guide to optimize the reduction and fixation of most facial fractures associated with occlusal alterations. To allow IMF, the nasotracheal intubation is used in most cases. When the nasotracheal intubation is not possible, a tracheotomy may be indicated, but this carries significant morbitidy. The submental endotracheal intubation allows IMF to be used without resorting to nasal intubation or tracheostomy, and it does not interfere on reduction and fixation of fractures in most cases. The purpose of this article is to describe indications, counter indications and the technique of the submental endotracheal intubation as performed in our service.