[Indications for tracheostomy in patients with oral and maxillofacial problems]

Tracheostomy encounters in several conditions in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Upper airway obstruction is the most common, often occurring secondary to maxillofacial trauma. Obstruction may also be caused by neoplasms of the oral cavity, by hematoma, oedema, abscess or allergy. In this paper we discuss the indications for tracheostomy in patients with oral and maxillofacial problems and the complications that may occur in patients from the procedure itself.