Anesthesia management of a premature neonate during minimally invasive sclerotherapy of a large chest wall mass

Abstract Rationale: The most common critical incidents in pediatric anesthesia are perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAE), which occur more often in neonates and account for one-third of anaesthesia-related cardiac arrests. It is crucial to maintain an open stable airway during anesthesia in neonates, as this population has a low oxygen reserve, small airways, and the loss of protective airway reflexes under general anesthesia. Patient concerns: A 6-day-old premature newborn underwent minimally invasive sclerotherapy under general anesthesia. For high-risk premature neonates, the selections of the anesthesia and airway device are extremely important, as those factors directly affect the prognosis. Diagnoses: B ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large mass from the left chest wall to axilla, which was suspected to be a lymphocele. Interventions: Minimally invasive sclerotherapy was performed under inhalation anesthesia. After the initiation of anesthesia, a laryngeal mask was placed to control airway. Anesthesia was maintained intraoperatively via sevoflurane inhalation with spontaneous breathing. No accidental displacements or PRAE occurred. Outcome: The operation and anesthesia process was stable and safe. The patient discharged at 2 days postoperatively. Lessons: Minimally invasive sclerotherapy in a premature neonate is an operation with an extremely short operation time and minimal trauma, but a very high anesthesia risk and risk of PRAE. Anesthesia management is very important in a premature neonate undergoing a very short surgery under general anesthesia. Total sevoflurane inhalation general anesthesia and laryngeal mask airway control with spontaneous breathing may be an ideal option to reduce PRAE during very short surgery in a premature neonate.