Hemangiomas in the head and neck region, especially those that may impact the airway, require special attention perioperatively because of the potential for difficulties with airway management and bleeding control. This case report describes the management of a 31-year-old male with a large hemangioma of the tongue and pharynx undergoing surgical extraction of mandibular third molars under intubated general anesthesia. Despite taking precautions and avoiding traumatizing the hemangioma while securing the airway, massive bleeding occurred during the surgical extractions, which prompted emergent transfer for angiographic embolization and a stay in the intensive care unit until extubation. This case report highlights the additional attention needed for patients with hemangiomas within the oral cavity and upper airway because of the potential for unexpected massive bleeding that can affect airway management and cardiovascular stability.
Clinical photograph taken during the preoperative interviewing showing the large hemangioma of the right tongue.
Figure 2.
Preoperative Fiberoptic Airway Exam
Preop examination of the airway via a flexible fiberoptic scope revealed that the hemangioma (black arrow) extended to include the vallecula of epiglottis.
Figure 3.
Preoperative MRI
MRI image of the horizontal section at the upper pharynx level. Note that the hemangioma (white arrows) extended to level of the pharynx.
Figure 4.
Angiogram During Vascular Embolization
White arrow shows the side branches of the right lingual artery; (a), (b): gauze packings with X-ray contrast thread; and the arrowhead (c): the endotracheal tube.
Contributor Notes
Address correspondence to Toru Yamamoto, DDS, PhD, Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 2-5274 Gakkocho-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8514, Japan; toruyamamoto@dent.niigata-u.ac.jp.