Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining and/or repairing the spout area (1) of a metallurgical vessel, wherein a substantially hollow-cylindrical sleeve (3) in a perforated brick (2) of the metallurgical vessel is removed. In order to allow the sleeve to be replaced quickly and simply in the event of wear, the method according to the invention has the following steps: a) introducing at least one radially extending slit (4) into the sleeve (3), whereby the sleeve (3) is interrupted at at least one circumferential point (5); b) reaching behind the sleeve (3) or segments (3?, 3?) thereof with a pulling tool (6); c) pulling the sleeve (3) or segments (3, 3?) thereof out of the perforated brick (2), and d) inserting a new sleeve (3) or a new brick material into the perforated brick (2).