Giant paediatric thymoma and its tailored anaesthetic management

A toddler presented with significant weight loss and lethargy. His CT scan chest revealed a sizeable anterior mediastinal mass of 14.5x12.0x7.0 cm, resulting in compression of the airway. The patient underwent a successful tumour resection but postoperatively experienced left diaphragmatic paralysis, which was effectively managed through conservative measures. Histopathology was consistent with thymoma (type B2, Masaoka stage I). This case emphasises the critical role of collaborative efforts among oncology, surgery and anaesthesiology teams in achieving positive outcomes for rare paediatric mediastinal tumours. It underscores the importance of comprehensive preoperative anaesthetic assessments, careful planning for potential complications and vigilant postoperative monitoring. Healthcare professionals, particularly anaesthesiologists, can find valuable insights in this case report for navigating the complexities associated with managing giant mediastinal masses in the paediatric population.