Critical airway management and weaning in neonate with large vallecula cyst: Anesthetist perspective

Abstract

Congenital laryngeal cyst is identified as a rare cause of stridor in infants. A small cyst remains asymptomatic, whereas large cyst can block laryngeal inlet and can lead to airway obstruction. In pediatric population, it is very important to make prompt diagnosis and immediate intervention to avoid respiratory distress that leads to infant morbidity and mortality. In this case report, from an anesthetic standpoint, we report a 30-day-old infant with a saccular vallecular cyst who presents with anticipated challenges with airway management and ventilator weaning. Furthermore, we would want to draw attention to the procedures that will be useful in determining when a newborn is ready to be weaned and when they can safely be removed from artificial breathing.