Anesthetist's Perception Towards Submental Intubation: A Questionnaire Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Submental intubation allows for the passage of an endotracheal tube through the anterior floor of the oral cavity. This allows for adequate surgical access to the regions of the mouth and the nasal pyramid with minimal to no hindrance in airflow to the lungs.

Aim of the study: To explore the perception of an anaesthetist regarding the submental intubation.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire‑based prospective randomized analysis was formatted and carried out in Odisha, India, between 20 Jan 2023 and 20 may 2023. A self-structured questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was distributed to the anaesthetists of the medical colleges in Odisha.

Results: Out of 97, 42 (43%) male and 45 (46%) female were familiar with the submental infiltration technique. Among the participants, 56% females and 43% males have performed and assisted in a submental intubation procedure. None of them encountered any complications or adverse events related to submental intubation (p = 0.0001).

Discussion: Out of all, 20% females and 19% males were very confident in performing submental intubation.

Conclusion: Submental intubation is a simple, safe, quick, and relatively harmless alternative to tracheostomy for securing the airway in selected patients with craniofacial trauma. Familiarity with the submental intubation technique will help the anaesthetists to avoid tracheostomy in selected patients with craniofacial trauma who do not require long-term mechanical ventilation. But, this procedure is technique sensitive as well.