Airway Challenges in Recurrent Cystic Hygroma: A Tale of Two Incidents

Cystic hygroma is a congenital malformation comprising slow-growing cysts filled with lymphatic fluid. It can involve several organs in the neck and the mediastinum and can present with acute airway obstruction due to encroachment on the tongue base, parapharyngeal space, or the larynx. Surgery is the preferred treatment of choice, but injecting a sclerosing agent is a safer alternative. Cystic hygroma of the head and neck region frequently presents challenges to anesthesiologists owing to difficult airway and postoperative complications. This case report discusses the successful management of airway deterioration in an infant with recurrent cystic hygroma presenting on two separate occasions, effectively managed with videolaryngoscope. Additionally, the report emphasizes the rapid progression of disease in patients with cystic hygroma, underscoring the importance of an anaesthetist thoroughly assessing the extent of respiratory tract invasion by the mass.