Perinatal airway management of neonatal cervical teratomas

Abstract

Cervical teratomas are rare but life-threatening neonatal tumors and management of the fetus with a cervical teratoma that threatens the airway remains a clinical challenge. This has been revolutionized by advances in fetal imaging and management of the airway at delivery including the use of Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatments (EXIT procedures). We present a retrospective case series of three neonates managed over a 12-month period. Following pre-natal fetal MRI and a multi-disciplinary management approach, two newborns were managed by prompt post-natal endotracheal intubation while an EXIT procedure was required in one. All three underwent surgical resection in the first few days of life. A de..