Submental intubation in extensive maxillofacial trauma

Surgical repair of complex maxillofacial trauma presents a challenge to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Where intubations via oral and nasal route cannot be performed, sub-mental route of endotracheal intubation is a very useful alternative. It obviates the need for tracheostomv and its related complications. We are presenting a case where we avoided tracheostomy in a patient with multiple maxillofacial fractures and opted for the sub-mental endotracheal intubation technique.