Airway Management in a Toddler with a Giant Hemangioma of the Tongue

BACKGROUND: Induction of general anesthesia in a patient with compromised airway has always caused dilemma to anesthesiologist, especially for toddler this is paramounted. CASE PRESENTATION: An 18 month old boy had a huge sized lingual mass which not only filled entire oral cavity but protruded outside the mouth up to about 5 cm. Having in mind the diagnosis of hemangioma, prior to induction it was attempted to reduce the mass but could be reduced only minimally by manual decompression. While the tongue, still outside the mouth, with full preparedness for anesthesia was induced maintaining the spontaneous ventilation. During laryngoscopy and intubation the tongue was pulled out of the oral cavity to ease the passage of the endotracheal tube. The mass was excised successfully and patient had an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSION: Maintenance of spontaneous ventilation is the crucial safety element during induction.