# Risk factors of postoperative airway obstruction complications in children with oral floor mass

## TL;DR

This study identifies risk factors for airway complications in children with oral floor masses and recommends ultrasound as the primary diagnostic tool.

## Contribution

The study proposes B-scan ultrasound as the first-choice diagnostic method for children with oral floor masses.

## Key findings

- Young age, functional impact, and high-grade lymphatic duct malformation increase the risk of surgical treatment.
- B-scan ultrasound is recommended as the first-choice diagnostic method for FOM masses in children.
- Ultrasound and MRI were the main imaging methods used, with MRI being more frequently applied.

## Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the risk factors of postoperative airway complications in children with oral floor mass. The first choice of auxiliary examination method for children with oral floor mass is also proposed. This retrospective study included 50 children with floor-of-mouth (FOM) masses. Medical records were reviewed, and information on age of onset, functional impacts present, age at consultation, imaging findings, history of preoperative aspiration, pathology findings, properties of biopsied fluid, treatment modality, postoperative outcomes, and operation were recorded. A total of 20 patients exhibited functional impacts such as difficulty in breathing and feeding. Ultrasound examination was performed in 28 cases; and magnetic resonance imaging, in 38 cases. The diagnosis was lymphatic malformation in 12 cases, developmental cyst in 29 cases, and solid mass in 7 cases. There were 28 cases of surgical resection, 9 cases underwent multiple puncture volume reduction followed by surgery, 11 cases treated using sclerotherapy injection, and 1 case treated using sclerotherapy injection and surgical resection. Young age, functional impact, and high grade of lymphatic duct malformation increased the risk of surgical treatment. B-scan ultrasound is the first choice for the diagnosis of FOM masses in children.