HNO
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During surgical procedures of the upper respiratory tract anesthesiologists and surgeons are in a kind of competition situation because of the close spatial relationship between the airway of the patient and the surgical area. Especially in laryngeal surgery the use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) offers an alternative to the endotracheal tube. During HFJV the ventilation gas is intermittently administered by an injector with a high frequency into the airway which is open to the outside. ⋯ Severe tracheal stenosis, risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure, patients at risk for aspiration and exacerbation of lung diseases are depicted as contraindications for HFJV. Complications under HFJV are rare despite the limited conditions for monitoring gas exchange and mechanics of ventilation in contrast to conventional ventilation. A particular challenge for the anesthesiologist is the use of HFJV during laryngeal laser surgery.