Navigating Airway Obstruction during Resection of Anterior Mediastinal Mass: An Anaesthetic Perspective

An Anterior Mediastinal Mass (AMM) poses significant challenges for the anaesthesiologist due to its impact on surrounding mediastinal structures [1]. They can cause airway and circulatory compression under general anaesthesia, leading to dreaded complications [2]. Effective management of AMM resection requires understanding its relationship with cardiorespiratory structures, thorough preoperative evaluation and anticipation of intraoperative complications. Strategies such as awake fiberoptic intubation, spontaneous ventilation, judicious use of muscle relaxants, positional adjustments, access to rigid bronchoscopy and in severe cases, elective cardiopulmonary bypass if available, enhances a safer outcome. This case explores the anaesthetic management and complexities faced in managing the resection of a large AMM.