Cystic hygroma: Anaesthetic considerations In emergency excision

Abstract

This is a case report of an 8-month-old male who presented with right huge infected haemorrhagic cystic hygroma with airway obstruction and pharyngotonsillitis. Right cystic hygroma was diagnosed at 3 months of age but was managed conservatively until he fell from a height and  traumatized the tumour which rapidly increased in size and resulted in airway obstruction necessitating emergency excision The excision was done  under general anaesthesia with intermittent positive pressure ventilation and muscle relaxation He was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit with the endotracheal tube in-situ and mechanically ventilated for 3 days. The patient was thereafter extubated and discharged to the  ward on the 5th day in good clinical condition.

Keywords: cystic hygroma, emergency excision, difficult airway, preparedness