Seminars in pediatric surgery
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Large mediastinal massess can cause compression of surrounding mediastinal structures. Patients may have symptoms of airway obstruction or cardiovascular compromise. The additive effects of anesthetics, paralysis, and positioning during biopsy can lead to acute airway obstruction and death. ⋯ When general anesthesia is necessary, specific measures should be taken to avoid disaster or immediately alleviate obstruction should it occur. Some patients at greatest risk will require pretreatment of the mass before tissue diagnosis. This article reviews these issues and provides a useful algorithm for managing patients with mediastinal masses.