[Focal infections in the head and neck region. An interdisciplinary problem].

The concept of focal infection is still valid. Besides hematogenous spread of bacteriae and their toxins also the proliferation of infection along the mucosal inner surfaces of the upper aero-digestive tract may be the origin of remote secondary manifestations. The diagnostic of chronic tonsillitis or occult sinusitis is sometimes difficult. While the ENT-specialist is responsible for both the detection of a focus in the head and neck region and its safe removal, the interrelationship between a focus and its actual secondary disease must be diagnosed by the inquiring discipline (general practitioner, internist, pediatrician etc.). The indication of surgical interventions, therefore, is an interdisciplinary task.