[Anaesthesia for the relief of dyspnoea caused by fibrin membranes in the larynx and trachea (author's transl)].

Three cases of life-endangering airway obstruction by fibrin membranes are reviewed which developed in a 17-year-old girl with virus pneumonia, in a 21-year-old girl with a history of thrombopathy after general anaesthesia with naso-tracheal intubation and in a 23-year-old woman after short anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation. Possible causal factors, the clinical symptoms and the therapeutic measures taken by the anaesthetist are discussed. Since these cases are generally in a state of severe respiratory collapse by the time treatment is initiated general anaesthesia with muscle relaxation should be attempted only if the anaesthesist is certain that he can effectively ventilate the patient before and during the operation. Otherwise it is better to apply assisted ventilation with oxygen and halothane via a mask until a clear air passage has been restored. Administration of anticholine drugs and control of shock are essential.