Patients with inflammatory disease in oropharyngeal region represent a substantial part of patients acutely operated on in the Department of maxillofacial surgery. Except for rare cases, radical surgical repair needs for general endotracheal anaesthesia. Jaw contracture, perifocal edema or inflammatory infiltration of oropharynx or hypopharynx in patients with low trigger to laryngospasm stand for the key factors complicating classic endotracheal intubation, requiring for more specialized techniques. The results of a five-year observational study are presented in the paper. Based on the results, there are presented recommendations regarding safe induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia.

        Key words: jaw inflammation – contracture – difficult airway – fiberoptic bronchoscope