title: [Prophylaxis of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in prolonged oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures].
abstract: Alcohol-addicted patients have a high risk of intercurrent complications during the postoperative period. In addition to the predisposition for infection, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is potentially life-threatening in these patients. However, this concerns only addicts, and definite preoperative diagnosis of addiction therefore is a crucial parameter in assessing the postoperative risks. In our department, 40% of maxillofacial tumor patients with a history of alcohol abuse were assessed as alcohol-addicted according to a complex diagnosis scheme. In these patients, postoperative withdrawal syndrome prophylaxis with continuous, low-dose alcohol infusion is indicated after exclusion of contraindications. If prophylaxis is impossible and differential diagnosis has confirmed a withdrawal syndrome, therapy must take into account the patient's symptoms and the latest neurobiochemical findings on withdrawal-related imbalances in neuronal transmitter systems.
authors.affiliation: Klinikum Steglitz der Freien Universität Berlin.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heil
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Metelmann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fröhlich
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol
vernacular_title: Zur Prophylaxe des Alkoholentzungs-syndroms bei Langzeiteingriffen in der Zahn-Mund-Kieferchirurgie.