Annals of surgery
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During a period of 11 1/2 months, 41 of 217 adult burn patients admitted to the U. S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center required endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy for management of the airway and/or ventilatory assistance. ⋯ For initial respiratory support, we favor the use of translaryngeal (nasotracheal) tubes for periods up to 3 weeks. Fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination is the most reliable follow-up method for detecting anatomic damage in such patients. Spirometry can be used as a noninvasive screening test and xeroradiograms are helpful in assessing the degree of tracheal stenosis.