Management of Near-Complete Airway Obstruction Caused by a Vallecular Cyst in an Infant Using a Tongue Tip Traction Suture

Abstract

Airway obstruction in infants can be because of a number of airway issues, one of which is a vallecular cyst. Although uncommonly seen, the management strategy for this difficult airway can be applied to many other difficult airway cases. We report the use of a preoperative oral fiberoptic assessment of the airway, use of a tongue stitch, and manipulation of a flexible nasal fiberoptic bronchoscope to secure the airway. Keeping the patient breathing spontaneously with low-dose ketamine also facilitated successful tracheal intubation.