[Differential indication of tracheotomy in oral and maxillofacial surgery]

In the hospital for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Medical University Hannover 105 tracheostomies were performed between 1980 and 1990. We see a limited indication for a general prophylactic tracheotomy in patients with ablative surgery and microvascular reconstructive procedures. The indication for tracheotomy must be considered in each individual case.