Ex-Utero intrapartum procedure for congenital high airway obstruction syndrome in a neonate: First case in Alexandria

Introduction: Large fetal neck masses can present a major challenge for securing an airway at birth with associated risks of hypoxia, brain injury and death. Teratomas of the oropharynx are rare, presenting 3% of teratomas in childhood, and are treated by surgical excision. If respiratory distress accompanies the lesion, priority must be given to the securing of the airway.
Case History: We present a case of an infant who was diagnosed antenatally as having a huge oropharyngeal teratoma. The anaesthetic, surgical and neonatology teams were ready to perform surgical excision depending on the placental circulation immediately after securing the airway. The tumour weighed 1591 g and was 20 x 22 x 12 cm. The patient was a male and weighed 715 g. Histopathology showed Grade II teratoma.
Conclusion: Large fetal neck masses can present a major challenge for securing an airway at birth with associated risks of hypoxia, brain injury and death. A multidisciplinary team approach combined with an accurate prenatal diagnosis obtained through fetal ultrasound is the key to a successful outcome. Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) that is based on the placental blood during intubation, tracheostomy or surgical excision is the standard procedure.