Cystic hygroma, which originates from embryonic lymphoid tissue, is a benign tumour without any potential for malignancy. It is commonly located in the neck area. Anaesthetic management of a large neck mass may be challenging due to difficulty in intubation and the severe haemodynamic effects of surgical removal of a giant tumour. Serious consequences such as sudden airway occlusion resulting in hypoventilation and hypoxemia may arise. We present the anaesthetic management of a 15-day-old infant who underwent surgical removal of a cystic hygroma located on the left side of the neck. Anaesthesia was induced by mask ventilation with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen and intubation was carried out while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. The endotracheal tube was sutured to the tip of the right lip to avoid movement or extubation. In addition to arterial cannulation for invasive blood pressure monitoring, central venous catheterization for perioperative fluid management was put in place. After 6 hours of surgery, the infant was transported to the neonatal intensive care unit and was extubated without difficulty the next day. Facial nerve injury was observed to be temporary.
Keywords: Giant cystic hygroma, anaesthesia, newborn