Near complete airway obstruction due to a laryngeal cyst: A case report

Voice disorders can arise from various causes, complicating diagnosis. Vocal cord cysts, though nonmalignant, have a prevalence of 114 per 100,000 and can lead to severe complications including death. This case report details the anesthetic management of a 60-year-old African American female patient with a laryngeal cyst causing 90 % airway obstruction, initially misdiagnosed as an infection. The patient presented with respiratory distress and dysphonia, and a CT scan revealed the cyst. Close communication between the ENT and anesthesiology teams facilitated successful surgery under general anesthesia, resolving symptoms. This case underscores the need for early laryngoscopic evaluation to prevent emergencies and the need for clear and close communication between ENT and anesthesiology during surgery to ensure safety and effective management.