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Asymptomatic oropharyngeal lipoma complicating intubation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

J Rimmer ,
A Singh ,
C Irving ,
D J Archer  and
P Rhys Evans
J Rimmer
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Surgery Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
A Singh
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Surgery Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
C Irving
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Surgery Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
D J Archer
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Surgery Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
P Rhys Evans
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Surgery Department, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
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Abstract

Oropharyngeal lipomas are rare tumours. We present the case of a young man with an asymptomatic lipoma almost completely occluding his supraglottic airway, found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a separate oral cavity lesion. Pre-operative anaesthetic assessment was undertaken because of the risk of airway obstruction at induction of general anaesthesia. We discuss the awake fibre-optic technique used for induction, as well as the treatment and follow-up of these tumours. This case highlights the need for formal anaesthetic assessment, in such cases, to avoid total airway obstruction at induction of general anaesthesia. It also emphasizes the extent of supraglottic obstruction that can be present without giving rise to any symptoms.

Keywords

Oropharyngeal LipomaRanulaAirway ObstructionAwake Fibre-Optic IntubationRemifentanil
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 119 , Issue 6 , June 2005 , pp. 483 - 485
Copyright
© 2005 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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