Anesthetic Management for a Pregnant Patient with Bilateral Vocal Cord Granuloma Using High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygenation with Oxygen Reserve Index Monitoring: A Case Report

Abstract

Anesthetic management for pregnant patients suffering from airway pathology poses unique challenges. The presence of a bilateral vocal cord granuloma adds further complexity to anesthetic management as it can potentially cause a compromised airway and respiratory distress. This case presents a pregnant patient with a bilateral vocal cord granuloma who underwent anesthesia using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygenation and oxygen reserve index (ORi) monitoring. A 33-year-old pregnant woman, who underwent intubation six months ago, experienced hoarseness and was ultimately diagnosed with a bilateral granuloma. Due to the significant airway obstruction, neither intubation nor ventilation was feasible, thereby requiring a surgical intervention. Before the surgical removal, the patient’s oxygenation was ensured using HFNC oxygenation. After confirming the sufficient oxygenation of the patient with an ORi of 0.38, the operation commenced, and as it lasted approximately 3 min, the patient was able to tolerate the brief period without additional oxygen supply. Post-surgical excision, mask bagging, and HFNC oxygenation was resumed, driving the ORi to 0.39; then, the operation was resumed. Throughout the procedure, the SpO2 remained above 98. The combination of HFNC and ORi ensured adequate oxygenation and allowed for the early detection of hypoxemia during the procedure. This approach may be a good option for managing granulomas.