[Prophylaxis of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in prolonged oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures].

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.