Submental intubation: alternative short-term airway management in maxillofacial trauma

OBJECTIVES: To assess submental route intubation as an alternative technique to a tracheostomy in the management of the airway in cranio-maxillofacial trauma, along with an assessment of its morbidity and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Submental intubation was performed in 17 patients who had maxillofacial panfacial trauma and management was done under general anesthesia during a period of one year from 2013 to 2014 at Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kochi, India. RESULTS: In all 17 cases, the technique of submental intubation was found to be simple and reliable. Hypertrophic scars were noted in three cases, orocutaneous fistula and mucocele in one case each. All these complications were managed comfortably without significant morbidity to the patient. CONCLUSION: Submental intubation is a good technique that can be used regularly in the management of the airway in cranio-maxillofacial trauma, but with some manageable complications.

Extreme oral myiasis

Extreme oral myiasis is a rare condition, mostly affecting bedridden patients whose oral health care measures are neglected. Single stage manual removal of the maggots along with the necrotic tissue, debridement, and suturing under general anesthesia is the most effective way to treat the condition. Preventive measures are also equally important to eliminate the cause and recurrence

Papillon Lefevre Syndrome

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive condition characterised by pronounced palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and severe early onset periodontitis, leading to early loss of teeth. Here, we report a case of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome with a brief discussion on treatment aspect