Laryngo- rhino- otologie
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The pre- and postoperative airway management during surgery of head and neck cancer is a clinically relevant and challenging task. Usually an epithelialised tracheostomy is used. The significance of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in combination with tumour surgery of the head neck area has not yet been fully considered. ⋯ Under consideration of the indications and contraindications, the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy by Ciaglia with associated bronchoscopy is a safe method with low complication rate for the airway management of patients with head neck cancer. Long term complications and disorders after PDT are not to be expected. Tracheotomy according to Fantoni cannot be recommended for this treatment.