Anesthetic management of a neonate with a massive lymphangioma

Lymphangiomas are congenital benign malformation of the lymphatic system, most commonly located in the head and neck region. The definitive treatment of lymphangiomas is surgery. Airway management in such patients is challenging in view of difficulty in visualizing the airway, difficult mask ventilation & intubation. The postoperative challenges include laryngospasm and airway obstruction due to airway edema caused by surgical manipulation. We report a case of massive lymphangioma of the neck in a 24-day old baby. Awareness of potential airway problems and possible complications is key to providing safe anesthesia to patients with lymphangioma.
 

Keywords: Lymphangioma, Airway, Pediatric, Anesthesia.