[Mediastinal mass and anesthesia in children--a case report]

A three-year-old girl with mediastinal mass received right exploratory thoracotomy was reported. The mediastinal mass of this patient occupied the whole right lung and compressed the right main bronchus as confirmed by X-ray and CT of the chest. For mediastinal mass surgery, several fatal hazards can happen during induction of anesthesia, maintenance and even the post-operative period. The two main hazards are trachobronchial obstruction and cardiovascular collapse. We presented our experience of this case including preparation, planning, induction technique, maintenance of anesthesia and postoperative care. We hoped that this can help others to minimize accidents when they handle patients with similar conditions.