A Rare Case of Ball Valve Effect of Vocal Cord Papillomas in a Child: An Anaesthetic Challenge

Abstract

Vocal cord papillomas are rare growths of viral etiology caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Large polyps are known to obstruct glottic opening and can cause acute airway obstruction. We report a case of 4-year-old male child with progressive hoarseness of voice and stridor posted for excision of vocal cord papillomas. Paediatric age of the patient and the position of the growth obstructing the glottic opening at vocal cords provided an extremely challenging environment for induction of anaesthesia.