Nasotracheal Intubation in the Presence of Facial Fractures

Abstract

are aware of a documented case in the literature of a "cranial intubation," but feel proper preoperative selection of pa¬ tients will preclude this complication.

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

“…Nasotracheal intubation, on the other hand, allows most intraoral and extraoral approaches and leaves the oral cavity free of interferences for intermaxillary fixation (IMF). [1] Some conditions, nonetheless, contraindicate the use of a nasotracheal tube, [2][3][4] and for those cases, a tracheostomy is the most commonly used method for establishing an airway. [5] In 1984, Spanish author Hernández-Altemir first described the use of a submental approach for orotracheal intubation.…”

Efficacy and complications of submental tracheal intubation compared with tracheostomy in maxillofacial trauma patients

“…Furthermore, nasotracheal intubation after maxillofacial trauma can result in the passage of the tracheal tube into the cranium with consequent brain damage (10)(11)(12).…”

Endotracheal Intubation Using Submandibular Approach for Maxillofacial Trauma Patients: Report of 2 Cases

“…Also, prolonged retention of the tube could damage nasal cavity and thus bring out abscesses, otitis media, sinusitis, and more [8]. Recent reports have revealed that cases with Le Fort II III, or basal skull fracture possess the greatest danger in the intubation [2,4,9].…”

“…Occlusion in patients with maxillofacial fractures is important, so reduction of fractures require complete recovery of occlusion. This reason leads surgeons to utilize nasal approach in endotracheal intubation for oral and maxillofacial surgery [2,3].…”

“…Especially, Le Fort II and III fractures in relation with cribriform plate can cause significant complications. It means that nasotracheal intubation could possibly cause damages to basal skull or brain in specific situations [2,4].…”