Bhalla AP, Mehta S, Garg R
Correspondence: Dr Sunil Mehta, drrgarg@hotmail.com
ABSTRACT
Lymphangioma is a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system, often involving areas of the head and neck. Patients may require surgical excision. Anaesthetic concerns include bleeding, difficulty visualising the airway, extrinsic and intrinsic pressure on the airway causing distortion, and enlarged upper respiratory structures, including the lips, tongue and epiglottis, which make airway management challenging. We report lymphangioma of the tongue in a six-year-old patient. There is limited information on the optimal anaesthetic management for this age group. The challenges with airway management, including bleeding, laryngospasm and difficult intubation, are outlined. Awareness of potential airway involvement and possible complications is necessary in order to provide safe anaesthesia to patients with lymphangioma.
Keywords: anaesthesia, airway, face mask, laryngoscope blade size, tongue lymphangioma
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(3): e45–e48
