Posterior mediastinal masses by their location pose a risk of compression of heart, great vessels and airway. These risks are further exaggerated, with the use of neuromuscular relaxants and lateral positioning during anesthesia. We report a case of a 2.5 months old baby with posterior mediastinal mass causing compression of left bronchus and significant mediastinal shift with respiratory distress as a primary complaint. This posterior mediastinal Mass (PMM) was removed by right lateral thoracotomy without the initial use of neuromuscular blockade till the pleura was opened.
Keywords: Anaesthesia; pediatric; posterior mediastinal mass; thoracotomy.