Sub-mental Intubation in Maxillofacial Surgery: An Effective and Safer Airway Alternative to Tracheostomy and Nasotracheal Intubation

Abstract

Background: -Airway control during maxillofacialsurgery is often complex because thesurgical field involves the oral and nasalcavities, and accurate intraoperativeassessment of dental occlusion isfrequently required. Standard orotracheal intubation can obstruct occlusal evaluationand interfere with surgical access.Although nasotracheal intubation iscommonly preferred, it is contraindicatedin patients with mid-facial fractures,nasoethmoidal injuries, or suspected skullbase involvement due to the risk ofintracranial tube displacement andinfection