[Dogbite-lesions of the face (author's transl)]

The present paper deals with dogbites and their operative treatment as it is being carried out at our Department. One can distinguish the following three forms of injuries, which each require a different surgical approach. 1. Simple bites which merely show the bite channels of the teeth and tissue contusions can be left to spontaneous healing. 2. Extended fissures and tear injuries require primary plastic-surgical treatment which is described in detail. 3. Bites with tissue loss: the wound is initially covered with a superficial epithelial bandage; subsequently, plastic-surgical treatment with defect reconstruction according to the local requirements and with due regard to esthetic aspects is necessary. Two case reports illustrate the exposition. The necessity of rabies prophylaxis, tetanus inoculation, and antibiotic treatment during the postoperative phase is stressed.