Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis causing critical airway obstruction in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare complication of human papillomavirus infection, resulting in exophytic growths into the respiratory tract.A primigravida patient with RRP presented with increasing stridor at 32 weeks of gestation. The patient required emergency surgery at a tertiary head and neck centre, with a standby obstetric and neonatal team available, and later went on to have a normal term delivery.RRP in pregnancy carries a high risk of airway compromise and requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage the condition. Hospitals should have local guidelines on the location for non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy.