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11 years of anaesthesiological experience in maxillofacial and reconstructive plastic surgery (1-4-1966/1-4-1977) are reviewed. The problems connected with these operations are examined. On the basis of localizations, types of operation and surgical requirements, the problems of greatest importance in these branches of surgery may be indicated in the following 5 parameters: 1. Control of the respiratory ways with naso-tracheal intubation under direct view or blind (more than a thousand cases), oro-tracheal intubation: their indications and contraindications as alternatives to pre- intra- and postoperative tracheotomy. 2. Local control of bleeding. 3. Arousal and prevention of possible postnarcotic complications. 4. Prevention and treatment of postoperative oedema. 5. Nutrition of the patient undergoing surgery. In the interests of history, the superseded problem of whether to use local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia in maxillofacial surgery is mentioned and the various problems are discussed exhaustively. Personal anaesthesiological conduct is then specified in relation to the parameters examined and results reported. The importance in certain endo- and extraoral operations of prolonged intubation in the immediate postoperative period (10-15-30 hours) with respect to the indication for postoperative tracheostomy is highlighted. Apart from certain special pathological situations, tracheostomy is rather exceptional and is no longer employed on a routine basis as it was 2-3 years ago.

The "Short term prophylaxis" technique was used in 100 patients who had undergone Stomatologic surgery and Maxillo-facial surgery for post-operative prophylaxis of surgical infections according to analogous researches conducted in other surgical branches by various authors. The results obtained can be summarized as following: 1) a marked reduction in administered antibiotics (cefaloridina); 2) a marked reduction of post-operative fever; 3) a maintainment of average febrile levels at 37,8 degrees-38 degrees. The above tecnique thus allowed a more rapid mobilization of patients who had undergone surgical intervention, a reduction of the recovery period and the therapeutic costs.

The use of internal fixation plates in the reconstruction of mandibular continuity following serious injury, or resection of mouth floor tumours, is described. When complicated fractures are involved, the combined employment of osteosynthesis with steel wires and fixation plates is advised. Three illustrative cases from a personal series are presented.