Airway loss during inhalation induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane in a pediatric patient with laryngeal papillomatosis: A case report

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to report a failed inhalation induction of anesthesia with sevofluran in a pediatric patient with grade III laryngeal obstruction caused by laryngeal papillomatosis. Inhalation induction is recommended for the induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients. In the present case, due to the respiratory depression properties of the anesthetics, the partial airway obstruction developed into complete airway obstruction, followed by cardiac arrest. The patient survived after the surgeon managed to reconvert the complete airway obstruction into partial airway obstruction through the removal of part of the laryngeal papillomas. In conclusion, the reaction of the patient in the present case to sevoflurane inhalation induction suggests that this technique is not recommended for patients with pre-existing severe airway obstruction. In such cases, special consideration and preparation is required.