Tracheotomy versus intubation. A 19th century controversy.

The early history of tracheotomy and intubation is reviewed. Both techniques evolved to their modern formats during the 19th century stimulated by the need to treat diphtheria epidemics. Development of technical aspects of tracheotomy during the first half of the 19th century, and of endotracheal and endolaryngeal intubation in the latter part, are reviewed.