Management of the AIrway in Oral and Oropharyngeal Resections

A tracheostomy is the traditional method of maintaining an airway after major oral and oropharyngeal resections. Postoperative endotracheal intubation was used for 19 patients who underwent major oral and oropharyngeal resections over a 3-year period at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. This appears to be a safe alternative to tracheostomy if intensive care facilities are available.