Intra-operative endotracheal tube stabilisation for facial burns

Abstract

Endotracheal tube stabilisation for the debridement and grafting of facial burns is challenging. Traditional securing methods using adhesive tapes or ties are unsuitable. Presented here is a method utilizing a nasogastric tube looped around the hard palate for oral intubation or the nasal septum for nasal intubation and attached to the endotracheal tube using a plastic cable tie. This non-invasive method was used on 12 patients undergoing debridement and grafting of facial burns at The Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital without complication.