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

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