ICU Management of the Maxillofacial Surgery Patient

Oral and maxillofacial surgery patients may require assessment for their critical care needs or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the perioperative, postinjury, or other acute care settings. Patients who require the intensive care unit may have anatomical concerns, postoperative challenges related to airway patency, or any combination of concomitant trauma, pathology, or comorbid respiratory failure. In order to manage these acutely ill patients, the ICU should be equipped with advanced adjuvants to airway management, experienced providers, and assertive protocols to manage airways, treat infection, and manage the nonsurgical needs. This chapter will provide the foundation for critical care assessment, treatments, and needs in the maxillofacial surgery population.