[Surgery in craniofacial syndromes (author's transl)].

Craniofacial surgery deals with the correction of congenital acquired deformities of the skull and face. This kind of surgery together with microsurgery can be regarded as the most outstanding development within the past decade. Plastic surgery, as the center of organisation is responsible for coordination with many other medical disciplines. Since 1978 an interdisciplinary group for craniofacial surgery started with operations at the University Hospital for Plastic Surgery in Innsbruck and the Department for Plastic Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar in Munich. In this article first experiences are reported and three cases, a Morbus Apert, a Morbus Crouzon and a Hypertelorismus presented. The indication for such treatment is directed for functional disturbance but also for aesthetical reasons to improve the psycho-social structure of the patient. An early operation is indicated in stenosis of cranium and face to avoid damage of the brain and eyes. If not urgent, these interventions should be started beyond the age of about 8, after dentition.