Extracorporeal oxygenation support for curative surgery in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea

Objective: Local extension of thyroid carcinoma can result in massive invasion of the trachea, causing severe airway compromise. The pre- and peri-operative management of such airway compromise is difficult but critical. We report the use of extracorporeal oxygenation support as an alternative peri-operative airway management option in such a situation. This approach facilitated curative surgery in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea. Method: We present a case report regarding extracorporeal oxygenation support in a patient with locally advanced thyroid carcinoma. Results: The patient was a 68-year-old woman with aggressive thyroid papillary carcinoma invading the trachea. The airway was almost totally obstructed, and tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis was planned. A venovenous bypass catheter was placed for cardiopulmonary bypass, using the bilateral femoral veins. Curative surgery and reconstruction were then performed successfully, under general anaesthesia assisted by cardiopulmonary bypass oxygenation. Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary bypass oxygenation is a safe and effective alternative airway management option in patients with locally aggressive thyroid cancer.